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Mongoose 103 Complete Skateboard

2008-11-01T09:03:00.011+07:00

Product Description

Ride Like The Pros On This Sweet Mongoose Skateboard. Fully Loaded With Heavy Duty Aluminum Trucks, ABEC 3 Carbon Bearings And A Cool Graphics Package.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #972 in Sports & Outdoors
Size: 31-Inch
Brand: Pacific Cycle
Model: R6416C
Released on: 2007-07-16

Features

9-Ply Maple Deck, 31" x 8" Concave Surface, Double Kick Ends
Black 80AB Grip Tape, 5" Heavy Duty Aluminum Stone finish Trucks
White PVC (Injection) Cushions
50 x 36mm Wheels, White PVC (Injection), Black Maurice Logo
ABEC 3 Carbon Bearings, Black PE Risers

Customer Reviews

great!!!
My son Loved this skate board, a friend of mine bought something similar & paid 2x as much.... Thank you for the fast service!!

Great value for the price...
My eleven year old daughter's first skateboard and she's totally ecstatic. She's already practiced enough in our driveway to be taken to a local skate park. Great deal.

Product Information & Price See Mongoose 103 Complete Skateboard

Types of Baseball Gloves

2008-10-16T02:03:00.010+07:00

To buy a good glove of baseball can make a world of the difference in your play. You must buy a glove made starting from materials of quality because they will last longer and will be easier to employ. And, naturally, you ensure that the adjustment feels exact. While you can want to buy a cheaper glove - sometimes it wages right of doesn't because your play will suffer.

A thing that you must make is to seek the various manufacturers and scales of price. Discover which is lit the best blow for the male. Choose some marks which call upon you move then to the store and try on the gloves. Ensuring itself they judge that the line and the line of average relationship are important. A part of Here inclines on what to seek in various types of gloves.

Gloves Of Gloves of baseball

Is you a serious player or the disorder right around behind the dish each of time to other? This could be a great deciding factor in your decision on which the glove to be bought as good glove of gloves of baseball can cost you hundreds of dollars. If you play only several times per year, then a professional glove of category could be too expensive for you. In addition, the gloves of good quality better are made and more durable thus it will probably last you a life. The gloves of high quality will be smelled better and functioned also better.

By selecting a glove of gloves of baseball you must adapt it to your hand. The size of model of the glove is a measurement of the gloves gîtent where your wrist is jusqu with the top of the palm of the glove where your fingers start. A small glove for youths measures typically 8 with a foot, and a glove of adults has a measurement of 12 or 13 inches.

Gloves Of Baseball For Women

The isn't of baseball right for boys and maintaining the always young girls and women more than join this whole the American sport. There is a special challenge, in some manner that for women by making shopping for the equipment of baseball and particularly the gloves of baseball. The majority speed of baseball are a manufacturer motionless with the men with the spirit, and the women, whose hands are much smaller, can have one difficult moment finding a good adjustment with their gloves.

The women making of the shopping for gloves of baseball must seek gloves designed to adapt smaller and female hand. If you are equipped with a suitable glove for the size of your hand you will note that you will play better. Seek smaller stalls of finger which will give you a better order than a belt of adjustable wrist is desirable because it will enable you to adjust yourselves with the fluctuations in fluids which can make your wrist a little larger or smaller.

First Basic Gloves

Any first basic player will say to you that the first basic gloves are very important when it has suddenly played the baseball. A thing to be sought in a good glove is to buy the good kinds of materials and strap which you have need in a glove to play at the first base.

The most important thing is with the thnk about the way in which the glove feels. You should buy a size which feels good and is easy to handle. Important It that you can open and close the glove quickly and that your fingers have a comfortable adjustment but not too douillettement.

To make shopping for the glove of right baseball is as important as obtaining the footgear or the espadrilles right. Take your time and select a good glove and you could see your play improving!

Source by Jimmy Spier

Baseball Team Process Of Selection

2008-10-16T01:39:00.004+07:00

A parent could be a great influence during the selection process that their child goes through to select their favorite baseball team. The parent could indicate which baseball team they prefer by taking their children to major league baseball games and rooting for that team from the stands. That team choice will be a major decision because that child could grow up to be a professional baseball player some day.

The baseball team selection process could have a direct influence on how a child wants to decorate their bedroom at home, and influence the clothes that they wear for school or during playtime. Parents help with this selection process by visiting stores and keeping current on the latest fashion apparel in baseball gear that their child can wear and talk to other parents too to make sure that all friends are dressed in the same styles.

A baseball player might know which baseball team they want to play for when they join the major leagues while they are still in high school. Wanting something like this so early in life does not necessarily guarantee them of a position on any major league baseball team. Some men are not lucky enough to make it that far and must live with that unfulfilled dream for the rest of their life.

Some baseball players have had their dreams come true and did not seem to do anything out of the ordinary to become a professional baseball player. The baseball player might have gone through the selection process for a major league baseball team unknowingly. They might have made a career path choice when they were involved in a friendly baseball game in their neighborhood.

There have been many legends of the game of baseball that got their start after playing in a baseball game with a few close friends. Unbeknownst to them, a professional scout observed them while they were having fun. The baseball team process of selection might have brought that scout to the neighborhood after the man showed off a recognizable talent while playing a certain baseball diamond position for a collegiate baseball team.

To become a major league baseball player, it only takes one baseball scout among many to be impressed by what they see on a baseball playing field. Baseball scouts do not get impressed that often and when exposed to such talent, the scout is very likely to walk over to the player and invite that player to attend tryout's for a certain baseball team during the spring. What happens at spring training will allow the baseball team process of selection to come full circle.

The selection process for a major league baseball team player could take years to accomplish. A rookie baseball player might have to prove himself for one season before they are given a permanent position on the team roster. Some men exhibit such talent that they achieve notoriety overnight and do not have to go through the proving grounds of many games to negotiate contracts worth millions.

Source by James Brown

Razor A Kick Scooter

2008-10-16T00:33:00.015+07:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

The original kick scooter, the Razor A is a handy little ride for kids and teens alike. Though it'll never replace the internal combustion engine, the scooter will get your child from point A to point B much quicker than on foot alone, and requires just a few scoots of one's shoes in the process. Plus, it's a blast to use, as your progeny will likely attest.

The Razor A is built of aircraft-grade aluminum, a sturdy material that holds up to use and abuse through the years. Its T-tube and deck, meanwhile, fold up into a compact footprint, so riders can fit the scooter inside a bag or carry it at their side when riding isn't appropriate (it weighs around 6 pounds). And thanks to the 98mm inline-style urethane wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and patented rear fender brake, riders will always feel smooth and in control when kicking along the sidewalk.

Recommended for ages 5 and older, the Razor A will support a rider up to 143 pounds. It's also backed by a six-month warranty. For the next step up, try the Razor A2 Scooter.

Specifications:

Scooter material: Aircraft-grade aluminum tube and deck
Wheel size: 98mm
Wheel bearings: ABEC-5
Brakes: Rear fender
Allen wrench: 5mm (not included)
Handlebar height: 33 inches (wheel to handlebar)
Weight: 6 pounds
Maximum rider weight: 143 pounds
Suspension: No
Wheelie bar: No
Kickstand: No
Folded dimensions: 23.75 x 4 x 7.25 inches

The buyer and rider of the Razor A scooter are responsible for knowing and obeying all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the riding and use of scooters.

Color : Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Red

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Customer Reviews

Good starter scooter.

Not all the bells and whistles as some of the others. But it's a great starter scooter. Solid. Well constructed.

Razor scooter

It came quickly and took all of 3 minutes to put together and hand to my daughter to ride. SHe loves it!!!

Great Scooter

I ordered this for my daughter because she had to have pink. It's really cute, well made, and a great product. My daughter loves it! Razors last a long time....a good purchase for any child.

Product Information & Price See Razor A Kick Scooter

Wilson A0360 ES13 13" Softball Glove ASO Web All Positions Baseball Glove

2008-10-14T09:30:00.012+07:00

Product Description

The 360 Softball glove is designed for the recreational league player. 360 Softball gloves provide a over-sized-pocket for a bigger deeper catching area. Features include: Leather palm and Web.

Features

13-inch recreational softball glove for all positions
For right-handed throwers
Oversized pocket for a bigger deeper catching area
Imposing black coloring on the backhand
Leather palm and ASO web3

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

Get a better grip on your softball playing with the Wilson A0360 ES13 recreational, slow-pitch softball glove for right-handed throwers, which features a roomy 13-inch size, tan inner glove, and imposing black coloring on the backhand. It's great for all positions and has an over-sized-pocket for a bigger deeper catching area. It offers an ASO web for a good grip on the ball and a custom fit wrist strap. It's backed by Wilson's 1-year guarantee.

Customer Reviews

The article is of very good quality, and the transition of the purchase was excellent The article is of very good quality, and the transition of the purchase was excellent

Very Poor I lost my glove last weekend so decided to buy another Wilson since the last one performed well. When I opened up the package I was surprised that the glove was smaller the my wife's 12.5" wilson glove even though it had 13" stamped on the inseam. What the..? Be careful buying this glove..it is NOT 13", more like 12" or under. Looked like a little league glove. The glove was also VERY stiff and hard. After paying extra for 2nd day shipping I ended up buying a glove at Sports Authority. Won't buy a glove online again.

Great for recreational use This is a great glove for weekends and picnics. For the price you are getting a glove that is functional. I would not use it in a game. But simple practice and family outing will be fine. Great backup glove!

Production Information & Price See Wilson A0360 ES13 13" Softball Glove ASO Web All Positions Baseball Glove

Easton 2009 LV1 V12 Youth Baseball Bat (-12)

2008-10-13T03:27:00.010+07:00

Product Description

V12 12 Component Scandium Alloy. Handle Flex Rating -100. VRS Rating -80. 2-1/4" extended barrel, -12 ultra lightweight length-to-weight. Ultra-thin 29/32" handle with Pro-Tack grip.

Select Size

Size: (choose one)
28/16, 29/17, 30/18, 31/19, 32/20

Availability: Select Size to view.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

Easton's 2009 LV1 "Velocity" V12 Ozone Youth League Baseball Bat (-12) is the perfect solution for young players looking for a bat with the offensive combination of bat speed, ultimate balance, and control, and a solid feel. The "Velocity" does this by merging breakthrough V12 Scandium Alloy technology with Easton's Single System Bat Technology. The result is a bat engineered with the specific needs of the player in mind.

V12 Scandium Alloy

V12 is another technological breakthrough from the R & D team at Easton. By optimizing the levels of 12 key elements in the alloy, Easton's V12 reaches remarkable strength and toughness levels. As a result, Easton has optimized the wall thickness and barrel profiles of their V12 alloy bats to create one of the highest performing and most durable aluminum bats on the market.

Single System Bat Technology

Provides the benefits of Easton's high performance barrels with stiffer, flex rated handles for increased control and balance. Single system designs allow players to receive solid feedback at contact while maintaining expansive hitting areas.

Manufacturer's Warranty

One-year limited warranty which covers all manufacturing defects from normal field usage.

About Easton

In 1922, Doug Easton began crafting custom wood bows and cedar arrows in Watsonville, California. Although Doug produced tournament-grade, footed cedar arrows for the archery champions of that era, he was constantly frustrated with the inconsistency and lack of uniformity of wood shafts. Convinced that consistently straight uniform arrow shafts were impossible to manufacture from wood, Doug turned his attentions to aluminum. In 1939, he began manufacturing aluminum arrows in Los Angeles. His instincts about this material were correct, and in 1941, California archer Larry Hughes won the national championship with a set of Doug's aluminum arrows. This was the beginning of a trend that would change traditional archery and transcend into numerous other sports arenas over the next 50 years.

Today, Jas. D. Easton, Inc. is a privately owned manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of sporting equipment, headquartered in Van Nuys, California. It currently employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in various distribution, manufacturing, sales and marketing capacities. Other operations are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mexico, and Canada. Easton is considered one of the world's preeminent innovators, designers, and manufacturers of sporting equipment. Much of this success is due to Easton's corporate strategy centered around producing products for the highest level of performance. Throughout its history, Easton has not only grown from within, but through the selective acquisition of other technology-based sporting goods companies.

Product Information & Price See Easton 2009 LV1 V12 Youth Baseball Bat (-12)

10 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Golf Club

2008-10-01T10:58:00.008+07:00

1. Commitment

If you're just taking up golf, you may want to wait a little while before purchasing your own clubs. Golf is a fun and healthy hobby to take up, but the equipment is not cheap and the sport itself takes a pretty good amount of skill. Before buying yourself brand new clubs, make sure this is something you truly enjoy.

2. New vs. Used

The first choice you have to make is whether you want to buy new or previously owned clubs. The advantage of a new set is that they are clean, new, and likely to be more accurate. However, used clubs can be a great way to get in to the game, and upgrading to a new set won't make you feel guilty once you do because the first set was not costly.

3. Choosing your Irons

The prominent equipment in your golf bags is obviously your irons. The first choice you need to make when choosing an iron is whether you prefer cast iron or forged metal. It usually depends on your skill and need, most beginners use cast iron as the sweet spot is larger.

4. Shaft Choice

The shaft of your club also depends on skill and preference. Shafts come in either steel or graphite-made. Most professionals prefer steel shafts, as they're more durable, although some golfers still look to graphite because of its lightweight that gives an easier swing. Typically, beginners use the lighter graphite shaft to start with.

5. Head Material

While each head material has its own advantage, the decision may be up to your wallet. Cast iron and stainless steel are both less expensive than the pricey titanium. The disadvantage of the stainless steel as a beginner is they are a bit heavy, which may inhibit your swing and make it harder to get used to. Titanium is the prime choice for a beginner, because the metal is both durable and light, allowing you to have a higher swing speed as well as a large head and sweet spot. The cast iron is a good compromise, at a fairer price and not too heavy to handle.

6. Head Size

As a beginner, head size can make a huge difference to your learning process. A larger head means a larger sweet spot, which is the face that hits the ball, it also means the club will be heavier and harder to control. To find a compromise between a small and large head, you could use a medium head, which has a pretty good-sized sweet spot, but is not too heavy to control.

7. Sweet Spot

The size of the sweet spot you choose on your club is totally dependent on your skill level and accuracy rating. If you have a very accurate swing, but not a quick one, you might want a lighter and smaller head, and a lighter shaft to improve your swing speed.

8. Grips

Grips should be standard to your club, but some golfers prefer to re-grip their grips for one reason or the other. If you choose to adjust your grip, make sure your aware of your hands grip size as well as the core grip of the club itself. You can determine your clubs grip size by matching it to the shafts diameter you’re re-gripping. Measure the diameter of the butt of the shaft you’d like to re-grip tot determine this.

9. If the Club Fits

If the club you choose is not proportionate to your body type it will harm your game. Make sure you're choosing a club that is as close to the right size for you as possible. A salesperson should be able to tell you exactly which size club you should be using.

10. Swing Speed

Assuming that you have swung a golf club a couple of times before deciding to buy, you should have a relatively good idea of your swing speed ability. If your swing speed is pretty high, factor in a heavier shaft to improve your accuracy. A low swing speed is okay too, just compensate with a light, flexible shaft and a medium sized-head with a pretty good sweet spot.

Source By Tom Tomlinson

Baseball Bats For The Professional And Amateur

2008-09-26T12:22:00.003+07:00

From the time small children are old enough to hold a baseball bat many have longed to be part of the great American pastime. Baseball bats have been around ever since the game was created and there are baseball museums that have collections of baseball bats owned and used by famous players.

When kids first start to play the game of baseball they use a plastic bat. There are plastic baseball bats made today for the youngest of ballplayers and some even have baseball teams or players names on them.

As children get older and more serious about the game they find there are choices to be made about which bat to buy. Baseball bats come in many widths, lengths and materials. A heavier bat gives the ball more momentum but a heavier bat also means a less speedy swing. Bats that are made from graphite or aluminum hit balls farther than baseball bats made from wood.

Players endorse baseball bats and many have their names on them. Baseball team logos are also represented on baseball bats.

When aluminum bats were first introduced in the 1970's, batting averages rose 30 points and home run hits doubled. In the Major Leagues batters now use wooden bats instead of baseball bats made from lighter materials. They could change to the baseball bats made from aluminum or a lighter material but it would significantly change the home runs hit today and the traditional records and baseball legends would not seem as important.

If you are wanting to buy a baseball bat consider who will be using it. Age and which league you are playing in is also a deciding factor. Little League bats can’t be more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter or more than 33 inches long for instance. Adult leagues have rules about baseball bats also.

Speed and control are the most crucial factors to consider when buying a baseball bat. Check the weight of the bat, if it’s too heavy it won’t work for you. When checking the grip, your fingertips should meet when closed around the handle.

You can buy a small wooden baseball bat for $10-$20. An aluminum bat will cost between $20-$200 or more but it won’t chip or peel and the balance and weight will remain constant.

There are thousands of baseball bats to choose from. Talk to an expert who can help you decide which is the perfect baseball bat for you.

Source by Ken Austin

DeMarini Vexxum (-13.5) Baseball Bat - 2008 Model

2008-09-16T08:57:00.015+07:00

Product Description

DeMarini 2008 Vexxum -13.5 Youth Baseball Bat The Vexxum with half and half provides speed and power. The NEW Carbon Reinforced Composite Handle with the SC- alloy barrel combined with DeMarini COP enlarge the hitting area for maximum performa - Baseball Express - Baseball Bats - T-Ball & Youth Baseball Bats

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #5945 in Sports & Outdoors
Brand: Demarini
Model: DXVNL

Features

DeMARINI Vexxum Comp/Alloy Baseball Bats

Select Size

Size: (choose one)

29 inch/15.5 oz. , 30 inch/16.5 oz. , 31 inch/17.5 oz. , 32 inch/18.5 oz.

Availability: Select Size to view.

Customer Reviews
DeMarini Vexxum (-13.5) Youth Baseball Bat (31'/17.5oz)
I was very pleased with the price and delivery. My son has been using the bat for about 3 weeks and loves it. Very light and solid.

Product Information & Price See DeMarini Vexxum (-13.5) Baseball Bat - 2008 Model

Callaway Mens X-Forged White Chrome Wedges - Mack Daddy w/C-Grind

2008-09-08T09:27:00.004+07:00

Product Description

Callaway Mens X-Forged White Chrome Wedges feature:

Back: Forged 1020 carbon steel allows for exceptional touch and feel around the greens New white chrome finish
Setup: Tighter heel-toe radius provides increased versatility from anywhere on the green
Sole: On 58° & 60° models, the C-Grind Sole allows for maximum versatility in shot-making on a variety of turf conditions around the greens; Other loft/bounce combinations enable golfers to find the wedge that works best for their swing
Face: On 56° through 64° models, the aggressively sized "Mack Daddy" grooves are designed at the maximum depth and width for tour-level spin, trajectory and distance control Other lofts incorporate U-grooves for maximum spin and control

Please Note: The products on this page may only be shipped within the United States

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #75906 in Sports & Outdoors
Brand: Callaway

Select HandOrientation, ShaftMaterialType, GolfClubFlex and GolfClubLoft

HandOrientation (choose one) : Right, Left

ShaftMaterialType (choose one) : Dynamic Glod Steel

GolfClubFlex (choose one) : Regular

GolfClubLoft (choose one) : 60, 58

Availability: Select HandOrientation, ShaftMaterialType, GolfClubFlex and GolfClubLoft to view.

Product Information & Price See Callaway Mens X-Forged White Chrome Wedges - Mack Daddy w/C-Grind

Golf Tips to improve your Golf Grip

2008-09-08T09:15:00.002+07:00

Use a Crosshand Grip

One common error in putting is a breakdown of the wrists--they should work as a unit! If this problem applies to you, try using a "crosshand" grip. To do this, place the left hand down the grip where the right hand would normally be, and put the right hand atop the grip. This may feel odd at first, but it forces the hands to work as a unit, which is one of the fundamentals of good putting. And remember: Always keep the hands in front of the ball during the stroke, and the left wrist flat!

Article & Image by LearnAboutGolf.com

3 Easy Golf Tips to Shave Strokes from Your Game

2008-09-04T11:37:00.006+07:00

Here are 3 easy golf tips that will immediately give you a better swing and improve your hitting! It did for me almost instantly once I got the feel of it.

I went from hitting maybe one fairway per round and not being able to hit my driver to hitting the vast majority of fairways off the tee while still enjoying the extra distance of using my driver. This is exciting stuff for a mid to high handicapper...so read on.

Golf Tip #1 - Be certain that you are taking the club back by turning your shoulders NOT picking up your hands.

By taking the club back in a "one piece" takeaway, which only means that your shoulders start the turn back and your arms, hands and thus club follow in one piece - by doing this you will automatically put the golf club on the proper swing plane. So long as you do not try to help the club do its job, you will be well down the path to a more solid swing and consistent hits with this tip alone.

Practice this in front of a mirror with or without a club, making sure that your head stays solidly in place and that your three body parts mentioned above go to at least parallel as one unit.

Golf Tip #2 - Don't overswing and swing easy. They engineer the clubs to do the hitting - getting the ball off the ground and a certain distance no matter how hard you swing. As a matter of fact, the harder you swing the less the club can do what it is supposed to do and you will sacrifice both distance and accuracy.

Just make a full shoulder turn and a good wrist cock then return the club from where it came from! When I say swing easy I do not mean decelerate on the downswing. What I do mean is find a good tempo and naturally accelerate through the ball on your downswing with a complete follow through.

Golf Tip #3 - Relax and enjoy the game. Tension in your golf swing is your biggest enemy. One of the tips that I have recently read is that once you get over your shot and are ready to swing....SMILE!! Believe it or not it works...it is extremely hard to be tensed up and smile at the same time.

These 3 simple tips have taken 5 to 10 of those "dumb" giveaway strokes off my game and it will yours too! Just get the swing thought in your mind of takeaway with the shoulders for a full turn, easy swing back through the ball to let the club do the work and relax! You will be excited to start see those shots going longer and straighter very soon!

Happy golfing!

Source by Kent Smith

Callaway Mens Warbird Golf Glove 2-Pack - Right

2008-09-04T10:22:00.011+07:00

Select Size and Style

Size : Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Medium-Large

Style : Regular, Gadet

Product Information & Price See Callaway Mens Warbird Golf Glove 2-Pack - Right

Golf Tips to improve your Golf Grip

2008-08-25T17:56:00.014+07:00

Grip it Light on the Right
In general, you need to keep the right side solid for a strong shot. But don't let this carry through to your grip. Many golfers tend to grip the club too tightly with the right hand, which leads to unnecessary tension. It can also make you swing "over the top" and cut across the ball. Here's the fix: Check your right-side grip, arm, and shoulder tension before each swing. You should sense that have muscle tension corresponding to a "6" or "7" on a scale of 1-10. And remember: Light muscles are better than tight muscles!

Article & Image by LearnAboutGolf.com

Callaway Hyper X Tour Driver (460cc)

2008-08-24T09:30:00.001+07:00

Product Description
Callaway Golf engineers set out to set a new standard in a crowded all-titanium driver market. The 460 cc Hyper X Driver provides a new benchmark in performance with the introduction of Hyperbolic Face Technology, redefining the speed at which golf balls leave the clubface. Eight years in the making, our engineers have sculpted a more ball-speed robust face that dramatically increases impact efficiency for greater distance on shots hit across the entire face. The advanced Fujikura® shaft adds to the drivers incredible feel and performance. The Tour model (designated by half-degree lofts 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°) has a square face providing highly skilled golfers a more pleasing look at address and increased workability.

Product Information & Price See Callaway Hyper X Tour Driver (460cc)

The Origins of Golf

2008-08-22T11:40:00.001+07:00

The Earliest Days
While Scotland is widely associated as the home and birthplace of golf, there is great debate about the earliest derivation of the game. Some historians believe that golf descended from "paganica", played with a feather stuffed ball and a curved stick, a game that the Romans brought with them to Britain. Another idea is that golf was a Dutch game called "het kolven" and there are paintings from the 18th century by Dutch painters showing a game similar to golf being played on ice and land. However, by this time it is believed some form of golf had been played in Scotland for three hundred years.

The name golf may have been derived from the old Scots verb " to gowff" meaning to "strike hard." The earliest known written detail on the subject of golf is from King James II in 1457 who demanded that "fute-ball and golfe be utterly cryed down and not to be used." The King was concerned that his citizens were so involved in leisurely pursuits that they were neglecting the Royal and vital sport of archery, which would protect him from the enemy. It took until 1502, in the reign of King James IV and a Treaty of Perpetual Peace (which didn't last!) with England's King Henry VII before the Scots were allowed to spare the time on such pursuits. King James IV himself played the game at Perth.

Mary Queen of Scots was known to play a round or two and by the end of the 16th century it was noted that people were neglecting attendance at church in order to indulge in their favourite pastime. With the Union of the Crowns in 1603, King James VI and his court took golf to Blackheath in London. By that time he had appointed an Edinburgh bowmaker as royal club-maker.

The first record of a caddie to carry the golf clubs is Andrew Dickson of Edinburgh, in the second half of the 17th century. As a young man he had caddied for the Duke of York - later King James VII. "Caddies" were originally an organised corps of message boys in Edinburgh and other large towns in Scotland.

Early Golf Balls
Initially, golf balls were wooden and these continued even after hand-made balls made of leather stuffed with feathers appeared. In 1848 the solid gutta-percha (a flexible juice from trees in Malaya) was introduced which were cheaper to make.

In America, at the start of the 20th century, balls made of tensioned rubber thread were invented although initially there was opposition to them. But the winner of the Open Championship used them in 1902 and ordinary golfers were converted.

Modern Golf
The rules of golf were laid down by the Honorable Company of Edinburgh golfers in Leith, which was formed in 1744. The St. Andrews Society adopted these rules and over the next century took over the administration and development of the game. The famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is the governing body that continues to set the rules and standards for the world's golfers to this day. The Old Course at St. Andrews, Fife has greens and bunkers created easily around the natural landscape of the seashore. The Royal and Ancient is renowned as the Mecca worldwide for those who love to play golf.

There is a British Golf Museum behind the Royal and Ancient golf course at St. Andrews with audio-visual displays, and the full story of golf explained as it has developed across the centuries.

In 1888 a Scot, John Reid of Dunfermline, "imported" his passion for golf to the United States and built his own course at Yonkers, New York. The United States Golf Association was founded in 1894.

The Open
Scotland originated the first professional Open golf championship in 1860, first held at Prestwick, and this event continued until 1894 when England also began to arrange golf competitions. Since then the British Open has moved around the United Kingdom from one links (seaside) course to another on a rota between eight leading golf courses, three in England and five in Scotland.