History of Golf as a Collegiate Sport: Over 500 Years of Games Essay

Introduction

Golf is a sport that has been in existence for over 500 years thanks to the Scottish who are believed to be the founders of the sport. Many historians have argued that Scots were the first payers of golf in the world. In America golf did not take root until the late 1880s. However the game was being played at once all throughout the nation. In 1889 New Jersey welcomed the game to be played in its soil. This was followed by the introduction of golf courses throughout the state for instance in cities such as Ridgewood and Riverton. John Reid was a Scotsman who first built a three holes course in Yonkers. This was near his home but he later came to establish the St Andrews Yonkers club. Golf began gaining popularity in the United States after World War 1. The 18^th century so the establishment of golf associations likes the St Andrews Society of golfers. Robert Tyre is a significant name in American golf because of winning a number of titles including the British open, British Amateur and the American amateur (Taylor,2008).

Main Text

In the earlier years before 1913 golf in America was mainly played by the wealthy in the society. Francis Quimet was significant in the history of golf in America after winning the US open championship over two British players. This was so because after his victory, golf as a sport attracted a lot of attention from the public. Popularity of the game continued to increase in the 1930s and even started being televised. In the American colleges tournament golf became established as a spectator sport in 1920s In the 20^th century various contribution have been made towards the development of golf in American colleges for instance people like Babe Didrickson Zaharias have been a source of inspiration for those who are in charge of golf in American colleges plus the players. This has seen the development of more golf courses in the country to support golf as a college sport. Though golf was also introduced in other countries, it has essentially remained an American game. This is because outstanding people like Jones and Tiger Woods are all from America (Mark, 2001).

In 1869 golf is in record as the college sport the first recorded inter–college game. This was particularly between the universities of Princeton and Rutgers.

In American universities golf is viewed both from an economic and sociological point of view. Economically golf generates a lot of revenues for universities and it is also utilized as a promotional sport. This has seen massive investments in the development of more golf courses and other related activities.

According to Taylor, tournaments within universities have greatly contributed to the development of the sport in the United States. This professional sport was slower to take root in America than baseball. Large scale production of ephemera in golf has greatly promoted the development of the sport in American colleges. The fact that golf is a serious competitive sport and furthermore a healthy activity has really attracted many young men in universities and colleges. This is also because of the way it has cultivated a natural environment perspective. This has been highlighted by advertisers of the game and this has been significant in its development as a college sport.

The development of more beautiful ephemera for golf has also contributed towards bringing the game to its current state in Universities and colleges in the united states.

This has been so as young men and women lookout for more interesting ephemera that can enable them compete effectively in tournaments.

The golfers own scorecard is an example of such kind of ephemera that has been significant in the history of golf. The establishment of golf camps can not be overlooked in the history of golf as a college sport. There has been a number of golf camps developed for instance between the ages of 12 – 18 years to help nurture talents in golf as an important sport. Most of the golf camps established offer comprehensive instructions while paying attention to all aspects of the game. This has been very significant in the history of the sport because it has helped to keep young people focused and when they reach college level competition is great and thus promoting the growth of the sport (Paul,2008).

Conclusion

Schools and colleges have also contributed to the growth of the sport by using the camp activities whereby young men and women are adequately trained for stiff competitions ahead. Their investments in the sport for instance establishment of courses and training staff have always shown commitment towards development of golf as a college sport. The development of golf programs that are geared towards teaching and engaging students in the game also needs to be mentioned for the role they are playing in promoting the sport. These programs also train graduates on how they can utilize the skills acquired in the game to enhance their business capabilities while in their professional world. Golf in the United States has reached to its current state because of the commitment and support from all the stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to see success in the sport in colleges and universities (Paul,2008).

References

1. Paul Vitello (2008). “More Americans Are Giving up Golf”. The New York Times. The New York Times Company.
2. Mark. “Golf and Business: A Perfect Couple.” BusinessWeek.com. 2001.
3. Taylor Klutts, How golf has evolved over time.
4. Chronology of Some Important Events in Golf. Web.
5. Golf’s professional Grand Slam has developed over time. Web.