Golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. It is a game where players use various clubs to hit a ball into a series of holes in as few strokes as possible. Golf is traditionally seen as a game for the elite and is associated with business deals and social status due to the expense of clubs, clothing, and green fees. There are over 32,000 golf courses worldwide and the game continues to grow in popularity and sophistication with equipment, tournaments, and techniques evolving over time.