The origin of golf is lost in the maze of time... it could be Chinese, or Dutch, but it is widely agreed that the game as we know it was first played in Scotland. Not that it matters to the over 7 millions peoples who play the game regularly in the United States alone. A sport by definition, a hobby for many, a passion for some, the popularity of golf has bloomed in the last thirty years or so and now there's hardly a town in North America that doesn't have its municipal golf course.
A golf course construction is considered an asset to the Real Estate market, for condos and town houses built around it are sure to sell like hot buns. Travel agencies also make sure to have the golf course rankings at hand, because with over 32 thousands golf courses worldwide, some have become holiday destinations highly in demand.
The fanatics who cannot travel South will likely spend the winter on golf websites, dreaming over some famous golf course pictures. And comes Spring, they'll thoroughly consult the local golf course directory to prepare their Summer schedule.
Truth be told, I don't share the passion... walking miles behind a ball never appealed to me much. But I do enjoy an afternoon at the mini golf course once in while, if only for the always imaginative settings.
