The first recorded reference to chole, the probable antecedent of golf. It is a derivative of hockey played in Flanders (Belgium).
(1353)

A Scottish regiment aiding the French against the English at the Siege of Bauge is introduced to the game of chole. Hugh Kennedy, Robert Stewart and John Smale, three of the identified players, are credited with introducing the game in Scotland.
(1421)

Golf, along with football, is banned by the Scots Parliament of James II because it has interfered with military training for the wars against the English.
(1457)

The ban on golf is reaffirmed by the Parliament of James III.
(1470)

The golf ban is affirmed again by Parliament, this time under King James IV.
(1491)

With the signing of the Treaty of Glasgow between England and Scotland, the ban on golf is lifted.
(1502)

James IV makes the first recorded purchase of golf equipment, a set of clubs from a bow-maker in Perth, Scotland.
(1502)

Queen Catherine of England, in a letter to Cardinal Wolsey, refers to the growing popularity of golf in England.
(1513)

The first commoner recorded as a golfer is Sir Robert Maule, described as playing on Barry Links (near the modern-day Carnoustie).
(1527)

The first recorded evidence of golf at St. Andrews.
(1552)

The Archbishop of St. Andrews issues a decree giving the local populace the right to play golf on the links at St. Andrews.
(1553)

Mary, Queen of Scots, seen playing golf shortly after the death of her husband Lord Darnley, is the first known female golfer.
(1567)

Golf is banned in the Blackfriars Yard, Glasgow. This is the earliest reference to golf in the west of Scotland.
(1589)

The City of Edinburgh bans golfing at Leith on 1592 (continued)
(1592)

Sunday "in tyme of sermonis."
(1592)

Invention of the feathery ball.
(1618)

King James VI and I confirms the right of the populace to play golf on Sundays.
(1618)

First recorded reference to golf on the links of Dornoch (later Royal Dornoch), in the far north of Scotland.
(1621)

Charles II is playing golf at Leith when he learns of the Irish rebellion, marking the beginning of the English Civil War. He finishes his round.
(1641)

John Dickson receives a license as ball-maker for Aberdeen, Scotland.
(1642)

Golf is banned from the streets of Albany, New York-the first reference to golf in America.
(1659)

In the first recorded international golf match, the Duke of York and John Paterstone of Scotland defeat two English noblemen in a match played on the links of Leith.
(1682)

Andrew Dickson, carrying clubs for the Duke of York, is the first recorded caddy.
(1682)

A book by Thomas Kincaid, "Thoughts on Golve," contains the first references on how golf clubs are made.
(1687)