Birth of Golf as a Modern Game

Birth of Golf as a Modern Game: Golf was originated in Scotland during the fifteenth century. Since then, the sport has come a long way. With the passing time, golf has emerged as a global professional sport. The nineteenth and twentieth century saw the modernization of golf influenced by the British colonialism and the Industrial Revolution. In the beginning of the twentieth century, there was much advancement in the golf equipments. With all these innovations, golf came forth as a modern game.

The Haskell ball was invented in 1900. This was a one piece ball with rubber at the core of it. The Haskell ball was an instant hit among the golf players for the extra flight in it. In 1902, grooved-faced irons made appearance in the golf bags. William Taylor made the first ever ball with dimples in 1905. The year 1910 saw the invention of the steel-shafted clubs by Arthur Knight. All these new types of equipments were cheaper than the older ones.

In 1916, the Professional Golf Association or the PGA of America was founded. In the initial days, the PGA organized golf events only in winter. However, by 1944, they were organizing 22 events through out the year. The R&A fixed the size and weight of the golf balls in 1921. The Ryder Cup was held for the first time in 1927. At the beginning, the players form Britain and Ireland represented Europe in the competition. Augusta National Golf Club was established in 1933, where the first US Masters was played in 1934.

With the starting of the World War II in 1939, the golf competitions in England had to take the backseat. All the metal and rubber resources were diverted into the war services by the War Ministry. The events in America faced the same circumstances, when America entered the World War in 1942.

Many renowned golf players made their names in history during this period. Some of them are Bobby Jones, Sir Henry Cotton, Walter Hagen, Joyce Wethered, Glenna Collett, Horton Smith and Gary Player.