If you are planning a golf holiday to Scotland or Ireland you will surely be interested in a little bit of the history of golf tours in Europe.

Golf has evolved a lot in the United States, however professional golf originated in Europe, more specifically in Scotland. At that time the golf professionals were club makers and green keepers. These players were teachers to the rich who played the game. In the beginning of golf all the equipment was hand made and therefore expensive.

European Golf Tours

The first golf competition was The Open Championship in 1860 and it was for professionals only. The next year amateurs were also allowed to enter the competition.

Over the decades the prizes became greater and National Opens were hosted in many countries of Continental Europe, but it was very difficult to earn a living just from golfing. After the WWII the prizes of golf tournaments became greater due to the introduction of television coverage.

It was only a few decades ago that the European Golf Tour became more international, in the beginning it was mostly played in the United Kingdom and a part in Ireland, and less than half in the countries of Continental Europe. Over the decades the Tour became longer and more global, spreading to Switzerland, Holland, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

If you are planning a golf holidays Europe you should think about what countries you would like to visit, there is a lot of choice. Spain and Portugal are excellent choices as well as Ireland and Scotland.