Golf

Golf originated in 15th-century Scotland, where it was banned by King James II in 1457 because it was distracting soldiers from archery practice. The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland — the 'home of golf' — has been played since the 15th century. The modern game spread globally through British colonialism and the 20th century's golf tourism industry. Tiger Woods transformed golf from a gentleman's sport into a global television spectacle. During his peak (1997–2008), Woods was the world's highest-paid athlete and brought millions of new fans to the sport. The PGA Tour generates $1.5 billion annually. Golf is one of the few sports played on the Moon — Alan Shepard hit a golf ball during Apollo 14 in 1971.