By Staff Writer: Jacob Mattox
The historical origins of golf began in Scotland during the 15th century, which led to the development of the highly popular game we know today. The sport evolved from an amateur hobby into a worldwide phenomenon that now draws millions of players worldwide.
Golf experienced its first major surge in popularity during the early 20th century. Golf gained public interest through the success of legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, who introduced the sport to mainstream audiences. The sport continued its steady growth until it saw another massive spike in the early 2000s.
Tiger Woods stands as the most renowned golfer in history, according to many fans. The late 1990s arrival of Tiger propelled golf to the top of the rankings, which led to explosive growth in the sport. Through his accomplishments, he motivated a fresh wave of spectators who brought fresh athletic skills and passion to the game, which attracted a large number of new golfers. The “Tiger Boom” created an instant rise in TV ratings along with increased youth involvement.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a major catalyst that increased golf popularity during the recent years. The limited sports options during this period made golf one of the few outdoor activities that people could engage in. Local golf courses received visitors from all walks of life, while new golfers discovered both recreational fun and mental benefits through playing golf. The National Golf Foundation reported that golf participation in the United States reached its biggest increase since 2001 during the year 2020.