Why Is Golf Called Golf? Uncover the Name and Its Roots

When working with golf, a club-and-ball sport that began on Scotland’s coastal links. Also known as the gentleman's game, it has grown into a worldwide pastime enjoyed by millions.

The name itself isn’t a modern invention. Linguists trace golf history, the evolution of the sport from medieval stick games to the organized sport we know today back to the 15th‑century Scots word “goulf” or “gowf,” which meant “to strike” or “to club.” That verb turned into a noun as players started referring to the activity simply as the thing they were doing—golf. In other words, the sport’s title is a direct description of its core action.

The Story Behind the Name

Another key player in the naming saga is St Andrews, the historic Scottish town whose Old Course set the standard for modern golf. By the early 1700s, St Andrews had formalized many of the rules that still govern the game, and its reputation spread across Europe. When the sport traveled, the original Scots term stuck, and other languages simply borrowed the word “golf” rather than translating the action.

Alongside the place name, influential figures cemented the terminology. Old Tom Morris, a 19th‑century champion and course designer who helped codify the 18‑hole layout popularized the term in print and through his famous competitions. His writings used “golf” repeatedly, turning it into a brand that resonated beyond Scotland’s borders. The sport’s spread to America, Australia, and Asia carried the original Scots word as a linguistic badge of authenticity.

Why does the name matter today? Because language shapes perception. Calling the sport “golf” instantly links it to its heritage, the rolling greens of St Andrews, and the centuries‑old rituals of tee‑offs and putting. It also differentiates the game from other stick‑and‑ball activities that might have similar actions but lack the same cultural weight.

Beyond the name, the vocabulary of the game reflects its history. Terms like “birdie,” “eagle,” and “bogey” all originated in the British club scene in the late 1800s, each carrying a story of competition and humor. Understanding these words gives players a richer appreciation of the sport’s evolution and the social atmosphere that shaped it.

Modern players also encounter the debate over 9‑hole versus 18‑hole rounds. That split dates back to St Andrews, which reduced its course from 22 to 18 holes in 1764 to speed up play. The decision cemented the 18‑hole standard and reinforced the name “golf” as the game that consistently challenges players over that specific layout.

All these pieces—origin of the word, the influence of St Andrews, the legacy of Old Tom Morris, and the spread of golf’s unique terminology—form a web of connections that explain why the sport is called what it is. Below you’ll find articles that dive deeper into each of these angles, from the real story behind the 18‑hole course to the legends who shaped the game’s language. Ready to explore more? The collection ahead will give you concrete insights and fun facts you can share at your next round.