Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just enjoying a relaxed afternoon on the green, there’s always something new to discover about golf. From the sport’s ancient origins to its strangest records and traditions, golf is packed with history, mystery, and surprises. This isn’t just a sport—it’s a cultural institution with layers of stories waiting to be told.
At Meridian CondoResorts, we’re more than just luxury accommodations—we’re passionate about golf. Our guests come from across the country to enjoy Arizona’s premier courses through our exclusive Stay & Play Golf Packages. So today, we’re celebrating the lighter side of the game by diving into golf trivia and sharing facts about golf that even seasoned players might not know.
Ready to impress your foursome with some mind-blowing knowledge on your next round? Let’s tee off with some of the most intriguing golf facts and stories you’ve likely never heard.
The Oldest Golf Club Is… Scottish, Of Course
While golf’s earliest forms date back to ancient China and Rome, the game we know today was firmly rooted in Scotland during the 15th century. The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh, founded in 1735, claims to be the oldest golf club still in operation. Some debate this with The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (1744), but Scotland holds the crown either way.
One of the lesser-known fun facts about golf is that the sport was banned by King James II in 1457 because it was seen as a distraction from military training. Thankfully, the ban didn’t last long—Scotland couldn’t stay away from the game.
Golf Was Played on the Moon
Yes, you read that right. During the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard brought a makeshift 6-iron and two golf balls to the moon. He famously swung at them on the lunar surface, sending the second one into the distance. Due to the lack of gravity, Shepard joked that the ball went “miles and miles and miles.”
This is arguably one of the coolest golf trivia moments in history—and yes, it remains the only time golf has been played off-planet.
The Longest Hole in the World Is… Ridiculous
If you’re used to par-5s being a beast, wait until you hear this. The longest golf hole in the world is located at the Sano Course in Japan, where the 7th hole stretches a jaw-dropping 964 yards from tee to green. It’s a par-7.
One of the wildest facts about golf is that this monster of a hole requires exceptional stamina, distance, and probably a small prayer. It’s a bucket list challenge for golf fans seeking bragging rights.
Golf Balls Have Between 300 and 500 Dimples
Those tiny indentations on a golf ball? They’re not for decoration. Golf balls typically have between 300 and 500 dimples, designed to reduce drag and increase lift. The average number is 336, but designs can vary based on brand and performance characteristics.
It’s one of those bits of golf information that every player should know—those dimples allow your ball to fly straight (or hook dramatically into the water hazard).
Tiger Woods Made His First Hole-in-One at Age 8
You knew Tiger Woods was a prodigy, but did you know he hit his first hole-in-one when he was only 8? That’s right—long before he became a golf legend, Tiger was already leaving his mark on the game with some fun facts about golf that have become part of modern lore.
He now has over 20 career aces, which puts him in elite company—but none is quite as legendary as that very first one as a kid.
Golf Has Been Played on Every Continent (Yes, Including Antarctica)
Golf is one of the few sports played on every continent. While we expect bustling courses in North America, Europe, and Asia, Antarctica is the surprising outlier.
How? Scientists stationed there have improvised makeshift courses during research stays. While it’s not precisely a PGA Tour event, it still counts—and makes for one of the more surprising golf facts out there.
The Fastest Round of Golf Ever Played
Talk about speed golf! The fastest 18-hole round of golf ever played (and completed) took just 26 minutes and 37 seconds. The record was set in 2017 by Steve Jeffs in the UK, playing solo and running between shots. He shot a respectable 92 despite sprinting across the course.
It’s an extreme example of what you’ll find in golf trivia, but it proves that dedication to the game can take many forms.
A Golf Course Once Spanned Three Countries
One of golf’s most geographically unique facts is that the Green Zone Golf Club, once located along the borders of Sweden, Finland, and Norway, allowed players to hit balls across three nations in a single round.
While the course has since closed due to political and regulatory challenges, it’s still one of the most incredible layouts in golf history, highlighting its global reach and cultural flexibility.
The Longest Recorded Putt Was 395 Feet
Australian golfer Brett Stanford holds the Guinness World Record for the longest putt ever made: a staggering 395 feet. That’s longer than a football field, making this one of the most jaw-dropping golf facts you’ll hear.
While you may never face a putt that long on a standard course, it’s proof that anything is possible—with enough patience, practice, and YouTube-worthy determination.
Golf Was an Olympic Sport… Then It Wasn’t… Then It Was Again
Here’s a historical twist: Golf was first included in the 1900 and 1904 Summer Olympics. Then, it disappeared for 112 years, only to return in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Why the hiatus? The lack of international participation and disagreements over the format led to its exclusion. Its recent return speaks to the sport’s resurgence worldwide and its recognition as a truly global competition.
A great tidbit of golf information for trivia night!
Golf Was Once Played With Feathers and Wood
Before today’s high-tech graphite shafts and titanium heads, golf was played with wooden clubs and “feathers”—leather balls stuffed with boiled goose feathers. These balls were handcrafted and could cost the equivalent of $15–20 today.
They were easily damaged and didn’t fly nearly as well as modern balls, but they were the standard in the 17th and 18th centuries. Just imagine hitting a par-3 with a goose-feather ball!
This is one of those fun facts about golf that puts modern gear innovation into perspective.
Augusta National Was Originally a Nursery
Yes, that Augusta—the home of The Masters. Before it was one of the most iconic golf venues on the planet, Augusta National Golf Club was a plant nursery. The club still honors this heritage by naming each hole after the plant that once grew there (e.g., Magnolia, Azalea, Camellia).
This blend of history and horticulture makes Augusta one of the most unique golf courses and gives depth to one of the lesser-known golf trivia facts.
You Can Golf at Night in Scottsdale
Speaking of unique golf experiences, did you know you can play golf at night on some Scottsdale-area courses? With LED lighting and night-friendly layouts, players can extend their tee times well after sunset.
And when you’re staying with us at Meridian CondoResorts, you’re just minutes away from the best of them. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, Arizona golf’s beauty is that it never sleeps.
Why We Love Golf (Even the Weird Parts)
What makes golf such a lasting passion isn’t just the competition—the tradition, the quirks, the unforgettable moments, and the trivia that comes with it. These odd, delightful facts remind us that golf is as much about storytelling as it is about scoring.
Whether you’re tracking down obscure records, lining up your next bucket list course, or simply sharing stories over a post-round drink, these pieces of golf information help connect us to the game—and each other.
Conclusion
From putting on the moon to swinging across continents, golf surprises us with its rich history and quirky culture. We hope these golf facts, stories, and surprises give you a new appreciation for the game you love—or inspire you to take a swing for the first time.
And if you’re planning a golf getaway in Arizona, we invite you to stay with us at Meridian CondoResorts. Our Stay & Play Golf Packages offer the perfect way to experience championship courses with luxury accommodations tailored to your ideal pace of play.
Book now, and let your next round of golf be one for the trivia books.
