The History of Golf
Josh Tompkins, Nate Balanis
Birthplace
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
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 AfricanAmerican 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 Players
There have been many great players in the history of
Golf. A few of the outstanding golfers include:
• Bobby Jones
• Walter Hagen
• Sam Snead
• Arnold palmer
• Jack Nicklaus
• Tiger woods