Can you imagine that any country’s fighting forces would be so enamored of the game of golf that they downed weapons to play? This is what happened in Scotland in the 1500’s. But not only did they play golf for recreation, they continued on to the detriment of their weapons skills usage. Archery was the prime weapon relied on by countries in those days to drive off marauders and enemies, but it seems that the archers of the day put so much effort into their golf games that they began to lose their skill at archery.

This problem was so widespread that King James II and his parliament had to pass laws in 1542 prohibiting the game from being played. Luckily for golfers, gunpowder was invented near the end of that century and so archery gradually became obsolete. But the game of golf did not. Even though it was illegal, the game continued to be played and even King James the IV, whose parliament had passed the last decree banning the game, became an avid golfer. He influenced his daughter Mary, later Queen of Scots, to love the game and her son, later to be James the 1st of England, played at Blackheath Common in London.

The game of golf finally filtered through to the US in the late 1700’s. Here it was considered ‘a pleasing and genteel amusement’ and it was not until much later that it was taken more seriously. The first permanent golf club did not spring up until nearly a century later. Both the Royal Montreal golf Club and The Foxburg Golf Club vie for the honor of being the first permanent club in the western hemisphere, with the strongest evidence belonging to the latter, who claimed the oldest permanent existence and the oldest golf course.

No matter who was the first, the game of golf continued to grow in popularity down through the centuries from its first humble beginnings played in a field by a group of friends to the formation of the United States Golf Association. By 1894 there were two US golf championships and it was then that uniform rules and conduct were established.

In the 20th century Horace L Hotchkiss organized the first seniors tournament at Apawamis Club, Rye, NY to prove that it was not just a game for younger people. Now golf is popular in over 30 countries, but has the largest following in the US where there are well over 5,000 courses played on by in excess of 4 million people. The value of the land, buildings and equipment used in the game is well into the billions. Not bad for a game that was once considered a nuisance by kings.

Debra McDonough
Pirates Of The Green

For the elite people in the business industry, who have probably tasted the finer things in life, personalization is the key for the perfect retirement gift. It must be something that lets them remember their legacy in the corporation, where they had grinded it out for decades to get into the position of their dreams.

It must be related to their interests, where after successful deals and spot-on investments, where they relish in those activities that make them happy and fully human again. These two things are basic and necessary to help the former executives remember how they lived their lives, and of course, the one who thoughtfully gave it.

For the golfer

Nothing says leisure and passion more than the sport, golf. The demand of golf clubs, gloves and the like has soared over the years due to the advent of new industries like hedge fund investing and business solutions. More businesspeople simply mean more golfers since golf is the sport where most of them bond and get to know more about each other. Another evidence of which is that golf courses are becoming more commonplace in rising economies like China, where Mission Hills and many others are frequently advertised in sporting channels.

All it takes is some creativity. One can put their company logo, family seal or monogram in golf balls, markers, tees and golf bags to exude that certain kind of privilege only they can taste. A personalized photo golf towel is another unique idea! And for those who love to bring along friends in the golf course, nothing says camaraderie more than personalized golf vests for the group of friends!

Also, in memorable tournaments with other golfers, a miniature personalized scoreboard print will also help bring out memories as much as photos do. With podium finishes and ranks immortalized, it will conjure up the spirit of competition and help the golfer (and other participants) again as if they’re playing and enjoying the sport right now.

Recreational Sports

Some executives spend their free time in casinos, where they flaunt their wealth and win more on the way. So to speak, such people live life on the fast lane, gaining and losing a lot as they go. For the perfect gift for these kinds of people, there should be items that represent his/her lifestyle, like a cigar personally blended or a cigar case and cutter with monograms. A customized card deck with logos that represent the retiree’s trade/industry can also be done for them.

One can also go for the classic expensive wine or champagne, where the taste of which reminds one, with its incomparable sparkle, of the good life. A 1787 Chateau Lafite, Cristal Brut and Clos du Mensil are on this list.

Letting these types of people taste privilege is integral to the perfect retirement gift for them. And cigar cases with monograms and expensive alcohol go a long way.

Conclusion

Nothing else reminds them of themselves and their lifestyles more than personalized items and things that represent their way of life. Giving these kinds of gifts to retiring executives hits it right on the spot; they should live their golden years the way they want it to be. And luxury and personalization will help you find the best retirement gift for them.

Debra McDonough
Pirates Of The Green

We live in a stressful world, so it’s only natural that we look for new venues of entertainment to ease our minds. You can get a lot of entertainment when you play the game of golf. Especially if you’re willing to have a little fun with it!

Some people get plenty of entertainment when they simply play the game of golf. But it can be made so much more fun when you put twists on regular games. You can modify the way you play and get a lot more enjoyment from the game.

For example, why not play a game of “monkey golf”. For this game, you put slips of paper in a hat that bears the name of each club in a normal bag. Players pick out a slip of paper and they have to use only that club for the entire round. The entertainment possibilities here are endless as you can imagine a person driving off the tee with a putter or chipping with a driver!

You can find great entertainment in the golf game when you play a little night golf. Golf courses aren’t lighted, but you can get glow in the dark balls and have grease pots on the greens so you can see where you’re going – well, sort of. It’s great fun to drive your ball and then have to navigate in the dark to see where it went! Let’s hope you didn’t slice into the woods!

A friendly game of Wolf is hilarious entertainment. With this game, you have the option of picking players to be on your team based on how they hit the ball. Teams can change often. But the most fun of this game is when a player is putting to win the hole. The other players are allowed to do anything they want as long as they don’t touch the ball. That leaves the field wide open. You can cover the player’s eyes, place obstacles in front of the hole – the possibilities are endless – and great fun!

Some friendly side bets can also increase the entertainment value of the golf game. Try making these bets with dares instead of money. Wouldn’t it be funny to make your opponent play with his or clothes turned inside out if they don’t make that putt? Use your imagination and be creative – however, keep it G-rated. The golf course is, after all, a public place!

Finding entertainment on the golf course is actually quite easy when you think outside of the proverbial box. Just remember that the whole point of a friendly game is to have fun. So go out and do it!

Addiction to golf comes second only to that of booze, no wonder ‘golf widows’ were creatures who once received our deepest sympathies.

Now, of course, the term ‘golf poor’ is quickly becoming a universal truth as well. And that’s only because golf and its accessories can really empty out an addict’s wallet.

But the wise and the wiser can whisper a couple of secrets on how you can stop golf accessories from pinching your wallet. In fact, those in-the-know will inform you how this is one hobby that helps reap rich dividends for them.

First, everyone loves freebies, especially if you happen to dish out your golf tips for free. You might be loved, but you’ll remain poor.

Instead, if you play your cards right you can advise golfers alright. However, when the time is right, ask them to allow you to borrow some expensive accessories.

You will soon realize that no one will deny a golf guru their just dues. In the process, you can use (not own or possess) high-end golf accessories for free. Take this a step further and offer to give informal lessons for a small fee.

Think of other ways in which you can allow your golf accessories to earn a small income for you. Can you rent them to other golf instructors so they can be used for training rookies?

Not only will this bring in some pocket money, you can actually use the additional money to buy your own set of fancy golf accessories.

Golf is a dignified game of rules and manners, and it’s important to know the basics before you play for
the first time.

Whether you are playing alone, in a twosome or a foursome, you must wait your turn. You must keep aware
of the group on the next hole and wait until they are well ahead of you before hitting your ball.

It’s never cool to “push” the group in front of you. If you are playing with others, wait for your turn to hit the ball; never hit at the same time as another player.

While you wait for your turn, go to your ball and determine what club you’ll need and how you are going
to hit it. This is called “ready golf” and keeps the game moving. Don’t rush, just be ready.

If your team is holding up the layers behind you, let them play through. You would simply wave them through,
or if they are close enough, ask them if they’d like to play through. You will never make an enemy in doing this!

When someone is making a shot, you should be behind them and you shouldn’t make a sound! It is so
distracting to be ready to tee off and just as you pull back, someone decides to jingle in coins in their
pocket or noisily unwrap a piece of candy.

Replace your divots. When, in the fairway, you hit the ball and a clod of dirt and grass goes flying, replace
it. On some courses you just put the clod back and step on it to press it on; on most courses, there is a
sand/seed mixture on your card to put into the divot. If your ball makes a deep impression when it lands on
the green, use your divot tool to repair it.

As soon as you have completed a hole, replace the flag and leave the green so that the next players can play. Count your score and write it on the scorecard when you’re back at your cart.

Of course, there are many more rules of golf, but these simple ones will enable you to get through the
course without coming to blows with anyone. We must all keep the game dignified, right?