How Has Golf Gear Evolved Over Time? A Historical Perspective (Part.1)
- clairebambino
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Golf has enchanted players for centuries and the evolution of its equipment is just as captivating. From rudimentary wooden clubs to today's high-tech gear finely tuned for performance, the development of golf equipment tells a story of technological progress and changing perceptions of the game. This exploration will take you through the history of golf equipment, focusing in this article on the ball and tee.
The Origins of the Golf Ball
The golf ball has transformed dramatically since the sport's origins.
Early golf balls from the 15th century in Scotland were wooden, crude, and lightweight - often causing unpredictable performance on the course.
In the 19th century, the introduction of the "Gutta-Percha" ball was revolutionary. Made from the sap of the gutta-percha tree, these balls were more durable and delivered improved flight. The first of its kind allowed players to achieve more consistent distances.
🌿 Note: Palaquium gutta is a tree in the Sapotaceae family, native to Southeast Asia. It is the primary source of gutta-percha, a natural rubber-like substance that was historically used for various purposes, including dentistry, insulation, and golf ball covers.
By the 20th century, wound balls entered the scene, featuring a rubber core wrapped in rubber threads and covered for durability. These "wound" balls pretty much disappeared from the market quickly in the early 2000s. They usually had good backspin but weren't considered "distance" balls.
Today's balls are crafted with multi-layer designs, utilizing advanced materials like urethane and synthetic compounds, which ensure enhanced performance, control, and distance. Innovations such as dimple patterns have further improved aerodynamics, allowing for greater lift and less drag during flight.
🔎 It is estimated that there are several hundred, if not thousands, of brands of golf balls around the world. Most of the market is dominated by a few major international brands such as : Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Srixon, Wilson... These brands invest heavily in research and development in order to offer high-performance golf balls adapted to different types of players and levels of ability. The diversity of brands can be explained by several factors, including:
Different technologies: each brand uses specific technologies to manufacture its balls, giving them unique characteristics in terms of distance, spin, control, etc.
Different market targets: some brands focus on professional players, others on amateurs, and still others on specific market segments (women, seniors, beginners).
The Evolution of the Tee
Although small, the tee has had a vital impact on golf.
Before its invention, players would balance the ball on mounds of sand or grass, leading to inconsistent shots.
The invention of the golf tee can be traced back to the late 19th century.
The first patented golf tee was created by two Scots, William Bloxsom and Arthur Douglas, in 1889. Their design featured a small rubber plate with raised prongs or a hollow cylinder to support the golf ball.
However, it was George Franklin Grant, an African-American dentist and Harvard graduate, who is credited with inventing the modern wooden golf tee in the early 20th century. His design, which consisted of a wooden peg attached to a rubber tube with a cup to hold the ball, revolutionized the sport of golf by providing a more stable and efficient way to tee up a golf ball.
Today, golf tees come in various materials, including plastic and eco-friendly options, catering to different preferences. Innovations like adjustable height tees and aerodynamic designs allow players to optimize performance and reduce friction during ball contact. The latest tees are even designed to help minimize damage to the greens, further promoting sustainability in the sport.
🔎 The rules governing the use of tees on the PGA Tour, and in professional golf in general, are quite strict in order to guarantee the fairness and integrity of the game. Here are the main rules to be aware of:
Maximum size: the tee must not exceed 4 inches (10.16 cm) in height.
Material: the material used to make the tee is not specified, but it must be strong enough to withstand a club hit without breaking easily.
Function: the tee must serve only to elevate the ball and must not be designed to influence the direction of the shot or offer any advantage to the player.
Line markings: the tee must not have any mark or design that could indicate a line of play.
Assistance to the player: the tee must not assist the player in making the shot in any way. For example, a tee that slopes or has a particular shape to favour a certain effect on the ball is prohibited.
🧐 Future articles will cover the evolution of golf clubs, gloves, bags, trolleys and footwear.
