where did golf originate

Golf as the modern game originated in 15th century Scotland. The earliest recorded mention of golf is from 1457 in Scotland when King James II banned the game because it distracted men from military training. The 18-hole format was established in 1764 at the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland. Before this, similar stick-and-ball games existed in various cultures, including ancient Chinese "chuiwan," Roman "paganica," and some early European variations, but golf as it is known today with rules and the concept of holes started in Scotland during the late Middle Ages. The game quickly grew in popularity and spread across Europe in the 16th century, with the Scottish game recognized as the true origin of modern golf.