golf
UK[ɡɒlf]US[ɡɑːlf]
n
A game played on a large outdoor course, in which a small hard ball is struck with a club into a series of small holes in the ground, the object being to use the fewest possible strokes to complete the course.
v
To play the game of golf.
Etymology
The origin of the word 'golf' is debated. The most widely accepted theory traces it to the Middle Dutch word 'colf' or 'kolf', meaning a 'club' or 'bat', used in a stick-and-ball game. This Dutch term likely passed into Scots, evolving into 'golf' or 'gouf' by the late 15th century. An older, now largely discredited, folk etymology suggested a link to an acronym for "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden," but this is a modern fabrication with no historical basis. The word's journey reflects the sport's development in the Low Countries and Scotland, solidifying into its modern form and meaning as the game's rules were standardized.
Analysis
The word 'golf' is a simplex word of uncertain origin. It does not lend itself to segmentation into meaningful morphemes based on its modern English spelling.
Examples
He plays golf every weekend at the local country club.
The new resort features a championship 18-hole golf course.
She decided to golf instead of going to the gym.