Golf's Global Traditions: More than Just a Game!

It’s hard to imagine a sport that brings a more diverse crowd of people together than golf.

In a sport that demands so much skill, there are many ways for experienced veterans and savvy young guns to outplay sheer athleticism.

With bringing together so many of us to crack a beer and whack a ball around, golf is rich in traditions that border on superstition.

Here are some of our favourite traditions that have evolved over the centuries that the game has been played.

The Old Course at St. Andrews: This Scottish course is known as the "home of golf" and has a unique tradition of closing on Sundays to allow the townspeople to use it as a park. This tradition emphasizes the community aspect of golf and its roots as a public sport.

The Masters' Green Jacket: The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, has a tradition where the winner is awarded a green jacket. This tradition started in 1949 and the jacket symbolizes membership in the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club. The winner returns the jacket after a year, but it is always stored at the club to be worn whenever the champion visits.

The Claret Jug: The winner of The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, is awarded the Claret Jug. This tradition dates back to 1872. The winner's name is engraved on the jug, joining the names of the greatest players in the history of golf.

The Ryder Cup: This biennial tournament between teams from Europe and the United States has a tradition of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Unlike most tournaments, the Ryder Cup is not just about individual performance but team success, fostering a unique sense of unity and camaraderie.

The Caddie Races at the Waste Management Phoenix Open: At this tournament, caddies race from the tee to the green on the 16th hole, much to the delight of the spectators. This tradition adds a fun and playful element to the tournament, showcasing the lighter side of golf.

And speaking of the 16th hole, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is also known for its rowdy crowd that gathers over 100,000 spectators to the tournament to watch as players attempt to get a hole-in-one on this hole.

But the players better at least par, to not face the wrath of heckles and boos from the crowd that completely surrounds the 16th hole.

The 19th Hole: In golf culture, the "19th hole" is a slang term for a pub or bar where golfers go to relax and socialize after a round of golf. This tradition emphasizes the social aspect of golf and the bonds formed on the course.

Golf in Japan: In Japan, it's customary to take a break after the 9th hole for a meal. This tradition reflects the importance of balance and rest in Japanese culture. Additionally, many Japanese golfers carry hole-in-one insurance, due to the custom of throwing a party for friends and family if you score a hole-in-one.

Night Golf in Sweden: Due to long summer days, it's not uncommon for golfers in Sweden to play rounds late into the evening or even at midnight. This tradition showcases the adaptability of golf to different environments and conditions.

Snow Golf in Switzerland: As we talked about in our blog post on how weather impacts the game of golf, The Engadin Snow Golf Cup has been played for over 40 years now. The course provides orange golf balls so you can actually find your ball in the snow. This tradition highlights the versatility of golf and how it can be enjoyed in all seasons.

Indoor Golf: With the advent of advanced golf simulators, golfers can now play on famous courses from around the world without leaving their local golf centre. This has become a tradition in itself, especially in places with harsh winters. It's a testament to how technology has transformed the game, making it more accessible and year-round.

Each of these traditions adds a unique flavour to the game of golf and showcases the cultural diversity of the sport. They highlight the adaptability, camaraderie, and joy that golf brings to players around the world.

What’s your favourite tradition in golf? Whether it’s one you’ve made with your golf buddies or a classic golf tradition, let us know in the comments!