National Golf Lovers Day Timeline

1894

The USGA is born

Delegates from the Newport Country Club, Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Yonkers, New York, The Country Club, Chicago Golf Club and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club meet in New York City to form the United States Golf Association (USGA).

​1889

​Golf embraces “the bird”

The term “birdie” is coined accidentally by golfer, Ab Smith, when he hits a “bird of a shot” at a tourney in Atlantic City.

​October 17, 1860

​The first-ever pro golf tournament is held

​The world’s oldest golf tournament is The Open Championship, which was first played at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland.

​1457

​Golf tees off

​The modern version of golf comes about in Scotland as King James II officially recognizes the game.