The origin of golf is still unclear and open to debate. Some historians trace this sport back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball. One theory asserts that during the first century B.C, paganica was spread throughout Britain and Europe as the Romans conquered much of the continent. And with the European touch, it eventually evolved into the modern game of golf. Others are of opinion that chuiwan, a Chinese game played between the eighth and 14th centuries was very similar to modern day golf. Chuiwan is believed to have been introduced into European countries during the Middle Ages.
Another game, which was resembled modern golf was cambuca, which was played in England and as chambot in France. This game was exported to the Low Countries, like Germany. Some however believe that golf descended from the Persian game, chaugán while some believe that kolven, a game involving a ball and curved bats, was played annually in Loenen, Netherlands, during 1290s, which was similar as golf.
According to the most widely accepted myth, the modern game of golf originated in Scotland around the 12th century, where the shepherds knocked stones into rabbit holes on the current site of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.