The History of Golf Handicaps: From Odds to WHS
The handicap system is one of golf's great strengths: it lets golfers of different abilities compete fairly. But it took well over a century to reach today's unified World Handicap System. Here's how…
Topic
Golf history
14 articles tagged “golf history”.
The History of Golf on Television
Television transformed golf. It brought tournaments into living rooms, created household names, boosted prize money and inspired millions to take up the game. Coverage has evolved from a few fixed…
The History of the Golf Cart: From Novelty to Standard Equipment
Golf carts are now a familiar sight, especially in the USA and at resorts worldwide. But for most of golf's history, players walked. The cart's story is one of convenience, accessibility and changing…
The History of the Golf Tee: From Sand Piles to Wooden Pegs
The humble wooden tee is so familiar that it's hard to imagine golf without it. Yet for much of golf's history, players teed the ball on small piles of sand. The story of the tee shows how small…
The History of Caddies: From Club Carriers to Tour Professionals
Caddies have been part of golf for centuries. From local lads carrying clubs under their arms on Scottish links to today's professional caddies who read greens and calculate yardages for tour…
Golf Course Architecture: A Short History of Design Styles
Golf courses weren't always designed. The first courses were simply natural land where golfers found their way among dunes and grass. Over time, designers developed different philosophies: punishing…
The History of the Rules of Golf: From 13 Rules to Today
Today's Rules of Golf run to dozens of rules with detailed interpretations, but they began with just 13. Over nearly three centuries, the rules have grown, been unified across the world and, more…
The History of Golf in America: From Colonial Times to Today
The United States has more golf courses than any other country, and American golf has shaped the modern game. But golf's American story started slowly, with scattered references in colonial times…
The History of Women's Golf: From Putting Greens to Pro Tours
Women have played golf for centuries, but for much of that time they faced restrictions on where, when and how they could play. Their story is one of determination: from putting greens set aside for…
The History of Golf Fashion: From Tweed to Technical Fabrics
Golf fashion has always reflected its time. Early golfers played in heavy jackets and long skirts; later generations wore plus-fours, bright trousers and patterned sweaters; today's golfers wear…
Golf Traditions and Customs: The Unwritten Rules of the Game
Golf is a game steeped in tradition. Some customs are written into the rules; others are passed from golfer to golfer over generations. They give golf its unique character: a game where players…
The History of the Golf Ball: From Feathers to Multilayer
No piece of golf equipment has shaped the game more than the ball. Each new ball has changed how far golfers hit, how courses were designed and how clubs were made. From hand-stitched leather balls…