The sport of golf has a rich history that dates back over five centuries, originating in Scotland in the 15th century. What was once a pastime for both royalty and commoners has since evolved into the professional sport we know today, with landmark events such as the first Open Championship in 1860 and the era of Tiger Woods.
The week of February 18-24 saw several significant events in golf history, including:
– The passing of Scottish golfer Alexander “Sandy” Herd, known for winning the Open Championship in 1902, on February 18, 1975, at the age of 75.
– Marta Figueras-Dotti’s victory at the Cup o’ Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Golf Open held at Ko Olina Golf Club in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii on February 19, 1994, where she emerged victorious by carding a 7-under par score, narrowly defeating Jane Geddes by one stroke.
– Golfers were reportedly arrested in South Carolina for playing on a Sunday on February 20, 1927, accused of violating religious laws that prohibited recreational activities on the Sabbath.
– Ruth Jessen’s historic win at the Sears Women’s World Classic on February 21, 1971, where she won the richest prize purse ever offered in women’s golf at the time, earning $10,000 out of a total purse of $60,000, solidifying her status among the greats in women’s golf.
– The birthdays of two major championship winners in golf history, Vijay Singh and Tommy Aaron, born on February 22nd in 1963 and 1937 respectively.
– Celebrating the birthday of Steve Stricker, the 2020 United States Ryder Cup captain, on February 23, 1967, with 12 PGA Tour titles under his belt.
– The birth of Iowan Zach Johnson on February 24th, 1976 in Cedar Rapids, who would go on to lead the United States at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy and win the 2007 Masters and the 2015 Open Championship, as well as a third-place finish at the 2010 PGA Championship.
Golf’s history is replete with memorable events and extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport, making it the beloved and enduring game that it is today.