Golf History Facts

Twentieth Century History of Golf

By JA Francis

Professional tournaments; or playing the circuit

Olympic Sport in 1900 and PGA formed in 1916 and some more Golf history facts about the Olympics.

The advent of metal clubs and mass production in the late nineteenth century opened the game of golf up to those who were not so wealthy. Now, a lot more people could enjoy the game as it became more affordable to play.

The exclusive estate links of the rich were no longer the only good courses. Golf courses began to be established throughout the world and the sport was extremely popular.

In 1894 the USGA was established, in 1900 golf was introduced as an Olympic event, golf tournaments and tours started to be organised and in 1916 the United States PGA was formed.

Technological advancements regarding equipment came rapidly, allowing people to hit the ball farther and to purchase equipment at a better price. Many golf tournaments in the twentieth century were being organised throughout the world and advertisers began taking notice and sponsored these events.

Golf stars started emerging in the 1950’s and more people began to watch the tournaments, as they were televised. The popular players of their time began to get a following and even more people started to join Golf Membership Clubs in order to play the game. 

Golf history facts about tournaments, tours and the professional golf circuit.

A year round schedule of weekly tournaments, played all around the world, and called a circuit or tour, is the top level of professional golf. The professional golf circuit has separate tours for men and women, each tour is based in a specific geographical region. With a qualifying round to enter, only the best of professional golfers compete.

The top 5 golf tours are:  PGA Tour, (established in the early 1930’s but formalised in 1968) European Tour (est 1972) Champions Tour (est 1980, originally the senior PGA Tour) Japan Golf Tour (est 1973) LPGA Tour (est 1950) Others golf tours include Asian Tour (est 1995), Challenge Tour (est 1986) Nationwide Tour (originally called the Ben Hogan Tour, est 1990)

The skill level of professional players is at an all time high.

Amateurs and weekend players enjoy honing their skills or just playing a friendly game. There are golf courses in nearly every country of the world and most clubs provide instruction. Certain areas of the world have become popular for golf vacations where the entire family can enjoy group or private lessons and play games as well as go sight seeing in the local area. 

Golf is no longer about rabbit holes!

It's a multi million dollar business with high sporting stakes that anyone willing (and able) to participate in golfing competitions, has a chance of making a lot of money with.