Yes, it appears they did. There were a few key differences to their version of the game: It was called "kolf" which simply means "club" in Dutch. Also, they played on ice, so the craftsmanship of their club was of little importance...the ball just slid, and slid, down the ice towards a post, not a hole.
So, yes, the game of golf originated in a simpler form, by the Dutch. Scotland was a robust trading partner with the Netherlands from the 14th to the 17th centuries, and it appears they not only traded goods, but also pastimes. The Scottish sheep traders brought golf back home with them, but in 1457, King James II issued a ban on the game. The decree was published, marking the first documented mention of the game of golf.
The importance of art, books, and golf implements cannot be overstated in the scholarship of the history of golf. That is why I enjoy doing what I do: Cataloging rare golf books and golf memorabilia to sell at auction!
An example of a 19th century Dutch kolf club can be obtained at auction on Thursday, March 5th, 2015 at PBA Galleries' Golf Auction. Check out lot 442, a club from the collection of Golf Collector Society Member #7.
19th Century Dutch kolf club
A full online catalog can be found here (it takes a moment to load all 627 lots!)
Sale 555 - Fine Golf Books & Memorabilia: The Library of John Burns, Part II with Additions
If ever you have a question about auctions, buying or selling antiquarian items, golf history, or your library, give me a call or shoot me an email.
Erin Escobar
Antiquarian Books, Fine Art & Golf History Specialist
PBA Galleries, Midwest Division
(608) 819-6955
www.linkedin.com/in/erinantiquarianbookexpert
Meet the Expert: Erin Escobar, Midwest Representative
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