1832 'Ancient Customs, Sports, & Pastimes of the English' Book by J. Aspin, Esq. - Mentions Goff
This scarce book was printed in 1832, it describes Goff, the equipment, methods of play, and more. Three are twelve engravings, each visual support for the 'ancient' games and sports such as the aforementioned Goff. The London print details the game as mentioned in the following excerpt on pages 217 and 218.
"Of the numerous games with the ball, which require the assistance of a club, a bat, the most ancient seems to be that which is now distinguished by the name of Goff. In the northern parts of the kingdom, it is much practiced. In the reign of Edward III. the Latin name cambuca, "a crooked club, or staff," was applied to this pastime, because it was plated with such an instrument, The bat was also styled a bandy, from its being bent; hence the game itself is frequently written in English bandy-ball." It goes on to state "Goff, according to the present modification of the game, is performed with a bat, not much unlike the bandy. The handle of this instrument is straight, about four feet and a half in length, with a curvature at the bottom faced with horn, and lined with lead. The ball which is small, but extremely hard, is made of leather, and stuffed with feathers, or sometimes, through rarely, with cotton. The game consists of driving the ball into certain holes, made in the ground; and he who achieves his task the soonest, or with the fewest strokes, is the victor. The goff-lengths, or spaces between the first and last holes, are sometimes extended the distance of two or three miles. The number of intervening holes appears to be optimal; but the ball must be struck into the holes, and not beyond them." This early depiction of the game 'Goff' and its rules is quickly approaching 200 years old - an advantageous golf library addition indeed. Please inspect the accompanying lot photos for a detailed condition report.
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