More about the King of Scotland banning the game of golf
The Scottish Parliament, under King James II, issued the first ban in 1457, stating that golf and football were interfering with the practice of archery, which was essential for national defense. The ban was reiterated in 1471 under King James III and again in 1491 under King James IV.
- At the time military training - and specifically archery - was compulsory for all males over 12 years of age due to the prospect of war with England.
- As well as golf, football (soccer) was also banned.
- Both activities were played in a range of public spaces including streets and churchyards – yep, golf was played in the streets!
- To get around the ban some golfers of the time used sabbath sticks. Clubs were disguised as walking sticks, the club head comfortably fitting into the palm of the golfer's hand, until when the golfer was unobserved, the stick was reversed and a few strokes were played.