Currently within the world of golf, there is a debate occurring about who first invented the sport. For centuries, Scotland has proudly proclaimed that the game of golf was their invention, even though the Dutch and French claim that they had a similar game in the 1200s and 1400s respectively.

However, China is tossing its hat into this ongoing debate. Professor Ling Hongling of China, stated people in his country were “playing golf 1,000 years ago”.

Based on the research that he has completed, Professor Hongling stated that he has found a reference to an ancient game of golf in Chinese history. The game was called Chuiwan, which translates into hit ball. The ancient Chinese game involved 10 clubs or a cuanbang (like a driver) and a shaobang (a three wood or spoon).

Professor Hongling continued to state that the reference for this game was found in the Song Dynasty that occurred in AD960-1279). He stated that “golf clearly originated in China, and Mongolian travelers took the game to Europe”.

Still many people still credit Scotland with the origin of golf, as they were the first society to use holes in the ground.

Read this article to view the ongoing debate.