From a handful of Scottish clubs in the 1700s to a global explosion in the 1890s — explore the founding patterns of 1,800+ historic golf clubs through interactive charts.
The graphs below, based on data gathered by The Centenary, reveal a fascinating story about the evolution of golf. From the 1700s through the early 1800s, the establishment of new golf clubs was rare, reflecting golf's highly localised origins in Scotland.
A sharp surge begins in the late 1880s, peaking dramatically in the early 1890s — a period often referred to as golf's "first golden age." The year 1895 stands out as the single biggest year, with 82 new clubs founded. This explosion coincides with the expansion of the British Empire, the rise of the middle class, and improved rail transport, all of which helped spread the sport across the English-speaking world.
A second major spike appears in the early 1900s, particularly around 1905–1910, as golf solidified its global appeal — notably in North America, Australia, and continental Europe.
In 1914, we see a sharp drop, reflecting the outbreak of World War I, which halted much leisure activity and redirected resources toward the war effort. A brief postwar boom follows around 1920–1922, as countries rebuilt and clubs re-emerged in a changing world.
Both charts offer more than numbers — they capture the social, economic, and geopolitical forces that shaped the global rise of golf as we know it today.
