| The answer to the question of where the first | | | | combined. This would include all the states, |
| U.S. golf course was located is not so easily | | | | including the state of Hawaii. |
| answered. Several areas of the United States | | | | Who gets to say what a golf course is or should |
| have an unofficial claim to having the first U.S. golf | | | | be? |
| course. | | | | As for the rules of golf, two organizations make |
| For instance, some golf historians place the first | | | | most of the decisions about golf courses and how |
| golf course and club in the United States in South | | | | they are to be laid out for competition. The R&A |
| Carolina. There is also a reference to playing golf | | | | (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club) governs golf |
| in the government records near Albany, New | | | | around the world, except for the U. S. and |
| York in 1659. Both have valid arguments, it is only | | | | Mexico, where the USGA (United States Golf |
| the definition of just playing golf, or having a | | | | Association) holds the key. |
| formal golf course built that may be in debate. | | | | How big should a golf course be? |
| Another issue is, where was the first 18-hole | | | | In reality, a golf course could be almost any size, |
| course in the U. S. built? Officially, the first 18-hole | | | | because golf, unlike many other sports, does not |
| golf course was constructed near Chicago in 1893. | | | | have a strictly defined court or playing field. The |
| This was a very popular golf course to the | | | | R&A, USGA and golf course builders try to make |
| residents of Chicago and those that lived close to | | | | the sport challenging yet enjoyable, so a course |
| the city. | | | | that is too long or too short is usually not |
| Yet, history also shows that the first permanent | | | | acceptable. Natural terrain has a lot to do with the |
| club in North America was in Canada. Even if a | | | | length and difficulty of a course. |
| golf course was well known, what course endured | | | | As new earth moving technology persists, an |
| is also a valid factor when considering what golf | | | | increasing number of golf courses are being built in |
| course was worthwhile enough historically, to be | | | | the United States. With so many to choose from, |
| counted as "the first golf course". | | | | any golf course that can claim to have the |
| By some counts, the United States now has as | | | | coveted title of the first golf course in the U.S. |
| many golf courses as the rest of the world | | | | certainly has a distinct advantage . |