The Story
The game of golf, from its earliest beginnings in Scotland over 400 years ago, has undergone considerable change. Even just since the turn of the century, the game has been revolutionized with advances in design and materials from which these implements are created, with the introduction of the rubber-cored ball being the most significant.
The primitive leather and feather ball and later gutty ball were limited in durability and distance. There was a rule which stated “If a ball splits into separate pieces, another ball may be laid down where the largest portion lies.” The tee had a similar development; from a scooped up mound of dirt to rubber to paper and finally to wood. Golf club development has had a similar if not more lengthy history. Hundreds of patents have been granted. Some revolutionary, some entertaining and others outrightly ridiculous. The classic leather and canvas golf bags and traditional Brogue golf shoes from the 1930s are fine examples of the traditional character and heritage of the game.
Here’s a tribute to the game, and, to the players and inventors who forged its colorful history, from the early days to our modern era.
