Golf is a sport steeped in tradition, precision, and—let’s be honest—some truly bizarre quirks. While most people associate it with pristine greens, hushed whispers, and the occasional frustrated club toss, the game has a hidden side that’s downright strange. From mind-bending rules to unbelievable historical oddities, here are five bizarre facts about golf that will make you question everything you thought you knew.
1. Golf Was Once Banned for Being Too Distracting
Believe it or not, golf was once considered a public nuisance. In 1457, King James II of Scotland outlawed the game because soldiers were neglecting their archery practice in favor of swinging clubs. The ban lasted nearly 50 years before being lifted—but only because Scotland needed golfers to help defend against an English invasion.
Why is this bizarre? Imagine a world where golf was seen as a threat to national security. Today, we worry about slow play, but back then, the government feared golf would weaken the military. Talk about an overreaction!
2. There’s a Golf Ball on the Moon (And It’s Still There)
In 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard smuggled a golf club and two balls aboard Apollo 14. With a modified six-iron, he took a one-handed swing in his bulky spacesuit and famously declared the ball went “miles and miles.” In reality, NASA estimates it traveled about 200 yards—but since there’s no atmosphere, it technically did go farther than any Earth-bound shot.
Why is this bizarre?
- The golf club was made from a sample-collection tool.
- One ball is still sitting in the lunar dust—making it the most exclusive golf course in existence.
- Shepard had to practice secretly because NASA initially nixed the idea.
3. The Most Expensive Golf Hole Costs $15 Million to Play
At the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, the 7th hole of the Faldo Course is nicknamed the “Money Hole.” Why? Because the surrounding land is valued at over $15 million per acre. If you slice your shot into the luxury villas lining the fairway, you’re technically playing a multimillion-dollar hazard.
Why is this bizarre?
- A single bad shot could cost more than most people’s homes.
- The course is built in the middle of a desert, yet it’s one of the lushest greens in the world.
- Golfers have reportedly been asked to pay for broken windows—in gold.
4. A Golfer Once Played an Entire Round Underwater
In 2015, professional diver Christian Lange set a world record by playing 18 holes… underwater. Using a specially weighted club and floating balls, he completed the course in the Philippines’ Busay Lake in just under 12 hours.
Why is this bizarre?
- The “course” was 15 feet underwater.
- Each shot had to account for buoyancy and current.
- The longest “drive” was just 20 feet—proving golf is hard enough without fighting physics.
5. The Rules of Golf Once Allowed for “Stymies” (A.K.A. Legal Blocking)
Before 1952, golfers could intentionally leave their ball in an opponent’s putting line—a move called a “stymie.” The blocked player had to either curve their shot around it or chip over it. No moving the ball, no whining.
Why is this bizarre?
- Imagine a rule that rewarded poor sportsmanship.
- It was finally scrapped because, well, it was ridiculous.
- Some old-school golfers still miss the psychological warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it true that golf was originally played with wooden balls? A: Yes! Early golfers used “featherie” balls—leather stuffed with feathers. They were expensive, waterlogged easily, and flew about half the distance of modern balls.
Q: What’s the weirdest golf rule still in play today? A: The “ball moved by a dog” rule. If a stray dog runs off with your ball, you must replace it where the dog dropped it—even if it’s in a bush.
Q: Has anyone ever aced a par-5 hole? A: Only once in recorded history. In 1962, Larry Bruce drove a 480-yard par-5 in one shot—thanks to a downhill slope and hurricane-force winds.
Final Thoughts
Golf isn’t just about quiet concentration and plaid pants—it’s a sport filled with absurd history, unbelievable feats, and rules that sound like they were made up on the spot. The next time you’re stuck in a sand trap, just remember: at least you’re not playing underwater, dodging royal decrees, or teeing off on the moon.
So, the next time someone calls golf “boring,” hit them with these facts. They’ll never look at the game the same way again.