The History of Golf in America
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
Though the game of golf does have Dutch origins, it truly became a sport in Scotland during the 15th century. This is when the rules and guidelines started to come into play. We’ve talked about the basic history of golf already, so let’s take a look at the history of golf in America!
Golf in Scotland
During the 15th century, the game of golf became increasingly popular in Scotland. The first written records of golf in Scotland can be found in the Acts of Scottish Parliament from 1457 and 1471. These acts banned the playing of “gowf” (as it was known at the time) as it was deemed a distraction from practicing archery, which was considered a crucial skill for defending the country.
However, despite these initial bans, golf continued to grow in popularity, and by the 16th century, it had become widely played throughout Scotland. Even King James IV of Scotland was known to be an avid golfer.
When did golf come to America?
It wasn’t until the late 17th century that golf began to make its way across the Atlantic to the American colonies. The first record of golf being played in America was in 1659 by a group of Scottish merchants living in Charleston, South Carolina. This group created the “Golf Club”, which served as a gathering place for playing the game and socializing.
Some of the earliest records of golf in America include a story from 1657 about a couple of men breaking windows with their golf balls and a shipment from Scotland containing golf equipment from 1739. At this point, golf was a niche hobby enjoyed by few people.
The growth of golf in America
During the late 19th and early 20th century, golf experienced a surge in popularity. This was largely due to the efforts of several influential figures, including Charles Blair Macdonald, who is known as the “Father of American Golf”. Macdonald helped spread the game by designing and building some of the first golf courses in America, including the National Golf Links of America on Long Island, New York.
Other notable figures who helped popularize golf in America include Theodore Havemeyer and Robert Tyre Jones Jr. (better known as Bobby Jones). Both men were instrumental in organizing and promoting major golf tournaments, such as the U.S. Open and the Masters Tournament.
Golf in Westchester, NY
For many, Westchester is considered the birthplace of golf in the U.S. It was here that Charles Blair Macdonald built his first golf course, the St. Andrew’s Golf Club, in 1888. Today, Westchester is home to over 50 golf courses and has hosted several major golf tournaments throughout history.
Some notable tournament sites in Westchester include Winged Foot Golf Club, which has hosted five U.S. Opens, and Sleepy Hollow Country Club, which has hosted multiple PGA Tour events.
Women in golf
We can’t talk about gold in America without focusing on women, as they have played a major role in the sport. The first official Women’s National Amateur Championship was held in 1895, but it wasn’t until 1944 that the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) was formed. Today, women’s golf is a vital and thriving part of the sport, with numerous professional tournaments and players making their mark on the game. Some notable female golfers include the following.
- Patty Berg: A pioneer in women’s golf, Berg won 15 major championships and helped found the LPGA.
- Babe Didrikson Zaharias: A multi-sport athlete, Zaharias won 10 LPGA majors and paved the way for female athletes in golf.
- Glenna Collet Vare: The first female golfer to receive the Bobby Jones Award, Vare was a dominant force in women’s golf during the 1920s and 1930s.
- Annika Sörenstam: One of the most successful female golfers of all time, Sörenstam won 10 majors and is the only female golfer to shoot a 59 in an LPGA event.
- Michelle Wie: A prodigy who turned pro at just 16 years old, Wie has won five LPGA events and was the youngest player to qualify for an LPGA event as well as the youngest winner of a USGA adult event.
Golf courses in America
Today, golf is a widely popular and accessible sport throughout America. The country is home to over 15,000 golf courses, making it the world’s leader in the number of courses per capita. Additionally, major tournaments such as the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Masters Tournament continue to attract large audiences and top players from around the world. Here are some of the most notable old and modern courses in the country.
- Quogue Field Club, Quogue, New York: Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, this course was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
- Dorset Field Club, Dorset, Vermont: Developed in 1886, this course is said to be the oldest in continuous use in the U.S.
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, NY: This course was developed in 1891 and is known for its acceptance of women since its inception. It also has the oldest clubhouse in the country.
- TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida: Home to the famous “Island Green” on hole 17, this course hosts THE PLAYERS Championship each year.
- Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California: This stunning course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is known for its breathtaking ocean views.
- Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia: This course is the host of the prestigious Masters Tournament and is known for its iconic green jacket tradition.
- Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey County, California: This scenic course is famous for its views of the Pacific Ocean and has hosted five U.S. Open Championships.
- Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina: This resort is home to nine different golf courses, including the famous Pinehurst No. 2 which has hosted multiple major tournaments.
- Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Oregon: This destination golf resort features four world-renowned courses and stunning ocean views.
Want to learn more about playing golf?
Despite its humble beginnings in Scotland, golf has become deeply ingrained in American culture and continues to evolve and grow with each passing year. From its rich history to its influence on popular culture, it’s clear that golf has become an integral part of the American sporting landscape.
For more information about golfing or to take a class, visit the Academy of Golf Dynamics at 1700 Kahala Sunset Drive in Spicewood, Texas. We are passionate about the game and helping our clients succeed at any level. You can reach us at (512) 261-3300 or send us an email today!