If you are looking for golfing tips on how to perfect your swing or putt, well this particular post is not for you. If on the other hand, you are looking for some fun facts about golf, some of which may boggle your mind, then read on!

So where did it all begin? Well, the Scots will tell you it was invented in Scotland more than five centuries ago. However, the Chinese have also staked their claim for being the inventors of golf, with records of a similar sport being played in 943 A.D.

When someone enthusiastically says “golf is out of this world”, do you know that it’s literally true…well kind of! Back in February 1971, Alan Shepard actually hit a couple of golf balls on the moon making it the only sport to be played on the lunar surface.

Did you also know that many golf courses are nowadays designed by famed golfing pros? Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus has designed several courses around the world as has such well-known names as Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros and Ernie Els who was involved in the design of The Els Club Malaysia, one of the newest golf courses in Malaysia. Speaking of golf course design, did you know that the world’s biggest bunker can be found in New Jersey’s Pine Valley Course; part of the 7th hole, this monstrous bunker is referred to as “Hell’s Half Acre” for good reason.

Another fun fact about golf; the term “caddy” actually has its origins from the word “cadet” which is French for student. If you think golfing can’t be considered an extreme sport, then take a visit to Morococha, Peru where you will find the Tactu Golf Club; its lowest point is a little over 14,000 feet above sea level and it is little wonder it is the world’s highest golf course.

Here’s a fact that’s truly astounding; at one point golf balls were originally made by stuffing a small leather pouch with boiled feathers! Of course, if you are talking about golf balls you also need to mention tees, or rather what golfers did before they were invented. Did you know in the “good old days” golfers used small piles of sand that were shaped into a mound that could be used to tee off.

Women have long been involved in the game of golf as well. In fact, the first ever golfing tournament for women dates back to 1811, taking place in the Scottish settlement of Musselburgh. Sadly instead of prize money, the winner was gifted a fishing basket!

And rounding off this list of 10 golf facts is something that has to do with spreading the joy of golfing; in Japan, many golfers have what is known as a “hole-in-one” insurance. What this means is that when you do hit a hole in one, you look to spread your good fortune by hosting a party and even giving your friends gifts!

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+