150+ Golf Trivia Questions and Answers to Challenge Your Friends on the Course

I’ve always been a fan of trivia nights, but when my golf buddies and I started doing trivia rounds at the clubhouse after our games, things really got competitive! There’s something about testing your knowledge of the sport you love that brings out everyone’s competitive side.

Whether you’re waiting out a rain delay, planning a golf-themed party, or just want to impress your friends on the course, I’ve put together this collection of 150+ golf trivia questions that range from the sport’s fascinating history to modern tournament highlights.

Golf History Trivia Questions

Golf’s rich history stretches back centuries, full of fascinating developments and transformations. These questions will take you on a journey from the sport’s Scottish origins to its evolution into the global game we know today. I’ve included some easy warm-up questions as well as some real stumpers that might surprise even longtime followers of the game.

In what country did golf originate? Answer: Scotland
In what century was golf first documented? Answer: 15th century
What was the first golf club established in America? Answer: St. Andrews Golf Club in Yonkers, NY

Who was the first American-born player to win the British Open? Answer: Walter Hagen
What year was the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) founded? Answer: 1916
What year was the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) established? Answer: 1950

What was the original number of holes in a round of golf? Answer: 22
When did golf become standardized at 18 holes? Answer: The 18-hole round became standardized in 1764 at St. Andrews
Who is credited with inventing the modern golf tee? Answer: George Franklin Grant

What year was golf reintroduced as an Olympic sport after a 112-year absence? Answer: 2016
What famous golf course opened in 1933 and was designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie? Answer: Augusta National Golf Club
What was the first televised golf tournament? Answer: 1947 U.S. Open

Who was the first golfer to be paid $1 million for an endorsement deal? Answer: Arnold Palmer
What legendary golf club hosted the first Ryder Cup on American soil in 1927? Answer: Worcester Country Club
When were steel shafts officially permitted in golf clubs by the USGA? Answer: 1924

What was the first golf ball called? Answer: A “featherie”
When was the dimpled golf ball invented? Answer: Early 1900s
Who was the first acknowledged female golf professional? Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots

What Scottish course is known as the “Home of Golf”? Answer: St. Andrews
What year was the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews founded? Answer: 1754
What golf club did Willie Park Sr. use to win the first Open Championship in 1860? Answer: Hickory-shafted clubs

Who was the first player to use numbered golf clubs? Answer: Jock Hutchison
What was the first golf instruction book called? Answer: “The Goff, An Heroi-Comical Poem” by Thomas Mathison (1743)
When was the first golf course in continental Europe built? Answer: 1856 (Pau Golf Club in France)

When did the Masters Tournament first award the iconic green jacket? Answer: 1949

Looking for more challenging questions? Check out these math trivia questions to test your numerical knowledge after mastering golf facts.

Famous Golfers Trivia Questions

I’ve always been fascinated by the legends who’ve shaped the game. From Bobby Jones’ incredible Grand Slam to Tiger Woods’ revolutionary impact, these questions cover the greatest players in golf history. I remember watching the 2019 Masters with my dad when Tiger made his incredible comeback win – moments like these make golf history so special.

Who has won the most major championships in men’s golf history? Answer: Jack Nicklaus (18)
Which golfer is nicknamed “The Golden Bear”? Answer: Jack Nicklaus
How many major championships has Tiger Woods won? Answer: 15

Who is the youngest player to win the Masters? Answer: Tiger Woods (21 years, 3 months, 14 days)
Which golfer is known as “The King”? Answer: Arnold Palmer
Who completed the career Grand Slam at age 24? Answer: Bobby Jones

Which golfer is nicknamed “The Great White Shark”? Answer: Greg Norman
Who won the most PGA Tour events in history? Answer: Sam Snead (82)
Which golfer has made the most hole-in-ones on the PGA Tour? Answer: Hal Sutton (10)

Who was the first player to break 60 in a PGA Tour event? Answer: Al Geiberger
Which left-handed golfer has won the most major championships? Answer: Phil Mickelson
Who was the first golfer to earn over $1 million in a single season on the PGA Tour? Answer: Curtis Strange

Which golfer is nicknamed “Lefty” despite being right-handed in everyday life? Answer: Phil Mickelson
Who holds the record for most consecutive cuts made on the PGA Tour? Answer: Tiger Woods (142)
Which golfer coined the term “Grand Slam” in golf? Answer: Bobby Jones

Who is the oldest golfer to win a major championship? Answer: Phil Mickelson (50 years, 11 months)
Which golfer has spent the most weeks ranked #1 in the world? Answer: Tiger Woods (683 weeks)
Who was the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament? Answer: Lee Elder

Which golfer has the nickname “The Merry Mex”? Answer: Lee Trevino
Who is the youngest winner of the U.S. Women’s Open? Answer: Inbee Park (19 years, 11 months, 17 days)
Which golfer popularized the visor in women’s professional golf? Answer: Nancy Lopez

Who was the first player to reach $100 million in career earnings on the PGA Tour? Answer: Tiger Woods
Which golfer has won the most LPGA major championships? Answer: Patty Berg (15)
Who was known as “Slammin’ Sammy”? Answer: Sam Snead

Which golfer has represented Europe in the most Ryder Cup matches? Answer: Nick Faldo (11)
Who was the first non-American player to win the Masters? Answer: Gary Player
Which golfer has the nickname “The Walrus”? Answer: Craig Stadler

Who was the youngest player to compete on the PGA Tour? Answer: Andy Zhang (14 years, 6 months at the 2012 U.S. Open)
Which golfer holds the record for lowest 72-hole score in a major championship? Answer: Henrik Stenson (264 at the 2016 Open Championship)
Who was the first Japanese golfer to win a men’s major championship? Answer: Hideki Matsuyama

Enjoying these challenging questions? Try some interesting topics to talk about with your golf buddies when discussing these trivia answers.

Major Tournaments Trivia Questions

Major tournaments are where golf legends are made! I’ll never forget watching Bubba Watson’s incredible hook shot from the trees to win the 2012 Masters in a playoff. These questions cover everything from Augusta’s famous azaleas to the challenging conditions of the Open Championship and all the dramatic moments in between.

What are the four men’s major golf championships? Answer: The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (British Open)

In what month is the Masters Tournament typically held? Answer: April
What is the trophy for the Masters called? Answer: The Green Jacket
Which is the oldest of the four major championships? Answer: The Open Championship (1860)

At which course is the Masters Tournament played every year? Answer: Augusta National Golf Club
What are the five women’s major golf championships? Answer: The Chevron Championship, U.S. Women’s Open, Women’s PGA Championship, Evian Championship, and Women’s British Open
Which major championship rotates among different courses in the UK? Answer: The Open Championship

What is awarded to the winner of the U.S. Open? Answer: The U.S. Open Trophy
Which of the four men’s majors was last to be established? Answer: The Masters (1934)
What famous golf tournament pairs professionals with celebrities? Answer: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

What is the name of the 12th hole at Augusta National? Answer: Golden Bell
Which golfer has won the most Masters Tournaments? Answer: Jack Nicklaus (6)
What prestigious team competition is played between the USA and Europe? Answer: The Ryder Cup

How often is the Ryder Cup held? Answer: Every two years
What is the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup? Answer: The Solheim Cup
Which course has hosted the U.S. Open the most times? Answer: Oakmont Country Club

What is the prize given to the winner of The Open Championship? Answer: The Claret Jug
What is Amen Corner at the Masters? Answer: Holes 11, 12, and 13 at Augusta National
Which player has won the most U.S. Open titles? Answer: Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus (tied with 4 each)

What is the name of the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, famous for its island green? Answer: Island Green
Which is the only major championship that Tiger Woods has not defended successfully? Answer: The U.S. Open
What is the tournament that marks the end of the FedEx Cup Playoffs? Answer: The Tour Championship

Which major championship was known as “The U.S. Open of Golf” until 1986? Answer: The PGA Championship
What is the total par for Augusta National during the Masters? Answer: 72
What unique feature did the 2016 Rio Olympics golf course have? Answer: It was the first Olympic golf course open to the public after the Games

Need questions to ask your golf partner? Check out these deep topics to talk about for meaningful conversations on the course.

Golf Rules and Equipment Trivia

The rules of golf can sometimes seem as complex as quantum physics! I remember playing with a friend who was so confused about relief from casual water that he ended up taking a drop in an even worse spot. These questions will test your knowledge of golf’s often intricate rules and the evolution of golf equipment over the years.

How many clubs are players allowed to carry in their bag during a round? Answer: 14

What is the maximum score that can be recorded on any hole under the World Handicap System? Answer: Net double bogey
What happens if a ball moves after a player has addressed it? Answer: Since 2019, there is no penalty if the movement was accidental
What is the term for hitting the ball twice with one swing? Answer: Double hit or double contact

What does “provisional ball” mean in golf? Answer: A second ball played when the original might be lost or out of bounds
When was the first golf ball patent issued? Answer: 1899
What is the maximum diameter of a golf ball? Answer: 1.68 inches

What is the minimum number of dimples on a regulation golf ball? Answer: There is no minimum, but most have between 300-500
What is the maximum weight of a golf ball? Answer: 1.62 ounces (45.93 grams)
What material were the first golf balls made from? Answer: Wood

What does “stroke and distance” refer to in golf rules? Answer: The penalty for a ball out of bounds or lost (one stroke penalty plus returning to the original spot)
How many dimples does the average golf ball have? Answer: Approximately 336
What is a “mulligan” in golf? Answer: An unofficial rule allowing a player to retake a shot

What is the USGA’s limit on the initial velocity of a golf ball when tested? Answer: 250 feet per second
What are the colored stakes or lines that mark a water hazard? Answer: Red for lateral water hazard, yellow for water hazard
What is the term for a score of 3-under par on a hole? Answer: Albatross or Double Eagle

What is the minimum length a golf club can be? Answer: 18 inches
What is a “stimpmeter” used to measure? Answer: The speed of a putting green
When was the first steel-shafted club approved for tournament play? Answer: 1924

What does “lie” refer to in golf? Answer: The position of the ball
What is the rarest score in golf called? Answer: Condor (4 under par)
What material were early golf club shafts commonly made from? Answer: Hickory wood

What is considered the standard loft of a driver? Answer: 10.5 degrees
What is the name for hitting the ball without taking a backswing? Answer: Punch shot
What do the numbers on golf balls represent? Answer: Identification numbers

Looking for more sports knowledge? Check out these sports trivia questions that cover more than just golf.

Fun and Unusual Golf Facts

Golf is full of weird and wonderful stories! Did you know astronaut Alan Shepard actually hit golf balls on the moon? These questions will surprise even seasoned golfers with unusual facts and stories from the game’s colorful history. I love dropping these tidbits when my regular foursome is waiting on a slow group ahead of us.

Which U.S. president has a room dedicated to golf in the White House? Answer: Dwight D. Eisenhower

What’s the longest hole-in-one ever recorded? Answer: 517 yards by Mike Crean at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver
Which golfer was nicknamed “Mr. 59” after becoming the first to break 60 in a PGA Tour event? Answer: Al Geiberger
What animal is traditionally released during the Masters Par 3 Contest? Answer: None (this is a trick question – no animals are released)

Which celestial body is the only one where golf has been played? Answer: The Moon
Who was the astronaut who hit golf balls on the moon? Answer: Alan Shepard
What is the longest golf course in the world? Answer: Erin Hills (7,800+ yards)

What is the largest golf resort in the world by number of holes? Answer: Mission Hills in China (12 courses, 216 holes)
What famous actor struck and killed a spectator with a golf ball during a tournament? Answer: Bing Crosby
Which insect is known to have the most accurate “golf swing” in nature? Answer: Dung beetle

What’s the fastest recorded golf swing? Answer: 211 mph by Ryan Winther
What is the most expensive golf club ever sold at auction? Answer: A 1939 Augusta National-made hickory putter sold for $181,000
Which famous golfer is known for wearing a glove during putting? Answer: Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey

What was unusual about Karsten Solheim’s PING putters when first introduced? Answer: They made a distinct “ping” sound when striking the ball
Which professional golfer holds the record for most hole-in-ones in a single round? Answer: None have had more than one in a single PGA Tour round
What golf tournament awards a plaid jacket to its winner? Answer: The RBC Heritage

What is the name of Tiger Woods’ yacht? Answer: Privacy
What unusual object was used as the first golf tee? Answer: Small mounds of sand
Which golf course is built on the edge of the Grand Canyon? Answer: Grand Canyon University Golf Course

What is the highest golf course in the world? Answer: La Paz Golf Club in Bolivia (10,800 feet above sea level)
What unusual material were some golf balls filled with in the early 1900s? Answer: Dried honey
Which U.S. President played the most golf while in office? Answer: Woodrow Wilson (over 1,000 rounds)

How many golf balls are estimated to be in the water surrounding the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass annually? Answer: Approximately 120,000
What is the lowest 18-hole score ever recorded in a professional tournament? Answer: 58 by Jim Furyk
What unusual tradition happens to first-time winners at TPC Scottsdale’s 16th hole? Answer: Caddies race to the green

If you enjoyed these unusual facts, try some confusing riddles with answers to further challenge your golf buddies between holes.

Why Golf Trivia Is Perfect for Golf Enthusiasts

Golf trivia does double duty – it entertains while also deepening your appreciation for the sport. Last summer, our regular foursome got stuck in the clubhouse during a thunderstorm, and someone pulled up some golf trivia on their phone. We ended up having such a blast that it’s now become our tradition on rainy days or after completing a round.

What makes golf trivia particularly fun is how it connects players of all skill levels. Even if you’re not hitting incredible drives, you can still impress everyone with your knowledge of who won the Masters in 1986 or what a “condor” in golf really means. Plus, learning more about the game’s history and legends can actually improve your understanding of techniques and strategies.

Want to challenge your golf buddies? Try these thought-provoking philosophical questions to discuss during your next round.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – over 150 golf trivia questions covering everything from the sport’s rich history to its quirky facts and legendary players! I hope these questions spark some fun competitions next time you’re at the clubhouse or waiting for your tee time. My buddies and I often use these to settle bets on who buys the next round after a game.

Did you know all the answers? I’m still amazed by some of the records and unusual facts I discovered while researching these questions. Golf truly is a sport with a fascinating past and present.

For more ways to enjoy time with friends on and off the course, check out my collection of conversation starters for texting or these would you rather questions perfect for long waits between holes.

What was your favorite golf trivia question from this list? Do you have any interesting golf facts to add? Let me know in the comments!