The History of Golf

Josh Tompkins, Nate Balanis

Scotland is considered to be birthplace of golf. It began by hitting a pebble or other round objects into a hole by means of a stick or club.

Golf was played at St. Andrews before 1403, and there is sufficient evidence that it was being played in one form or another in Scotland as much as a century before that, about 1300.

St Andrews

Birthplace

Golf Balls

Types of Balls• During the first decade of the

twentieth century, golf ball manufacturers were experimenting with rubber core mesh balls. It was at the beginning of the modern day golf ball. Early dimples in golf balls offered players greater spin and feel.

• Initially, golf balls were wooden. The wooden balls used were made from hardwoods such as beech and box root, and then rounded with tools.

• Then a feather ball was created. In its beginnings the leather golf balls were filled with wool or hair, and ultimately it was discovered that the use of feathers produced a longer lasting ball.

Clubs• A long time ago iron clubs were used

and they all included:– Persimmon wood heads– Hickory shafts– Leather grips

• Today's clubs improve launch, spin and flight characteristics that creates efficient overall performance. Manufacturing is high tech. Clubs of today include: – Titanium– Aluminum – Graphite

The Golf Tee• The golf tee was invented by African-

American dentist in 1899 who took up golf after the civil war. The patent office gave him a trademark on his invention of the tee, but he never marketed it. He shared it only with friends and playing partners. He died in 1910 without accumulating much wealth from the invention.

• The tee has changed little over the years.

The Early Game• St. Andrews eventually became the

traditional center of all golf, thanks partly to a publicity stunt. Where everyone was invited to play. The winner received a silver club.

• In a short time, St. Andrews became the premier golfing town.

• In 1764, when the St. Andrews course finally settled on 18 holes (down from its previous 22), 18 became the accepted number for all golf courses.

• Flags were used on the golf course to explain the the first nine holes from the back nine since there were 2 flags per green.

Golf Terms• Bogey (+1)

“Bogey” was the first stroke system and was considered the “ground score”. It defines a score of 1 more than the par.

• Par(-)Par is derived from the stock exchange term that

a Stock may be above or below its normal or “par”Figure.

• Birdie (-1)Comes from the 19th century American slang term "bird", meaning anything excellent. It means your scored 1 less than par.

Terms Continued• Eagle (-2)

Clearly the extension of the theme of birds. A score of two under par is, in some ways, a 'big birdie' and an eagle is a big bird.

• Albatross (-3)Three under par is a very rare score and an albatross is a very rare bird.

The Golf Course• The invention of the

mower was critical to help maintain the course. Before the mower, it was impossible to play in the summer on inland courses because the grass would grow so high.

• In most areas, cattle and grazing sheep kept the area level enough in the winter so that balls were not lost.

• Numerous traditional golf courses have been redesigned and lengthen because technology has increased the distance and accuracy of today's equipment.

• Golf courses include 3 parts; The tee box, fairway and rough.

The Early Professional

• When you spoke the word ‘professional’ in the early 1800s, you were referring to a professional caddie.

• The caddies were the only ones that made a living from the game.

• Caddies were usually the best players.

Golf in America• The united states golf association was formed on

Dec. 22, 1894. • At the turn of the century, there were more golf

clubs in the united states than there were in Britain.

• The PGA of America was founded in 1916

Tournament Play• Tournament play has developed over

the years. There is now a tournament played every week. But the 4 major tournaments are the most desired and respected:– Masters– U.S. Open– British Open– PGA Championship

Great PlayersThere have been many great players in the history ofGolf. A few of the outstanding golfers include:• Bobby Jones• Walter Hagen• Sam Snead• Arnold palmer• Jack Nicklaus• Tiger woods