The Evolution of Golf Balls

Learn how the Golf Ball has Changed and Evolved Over Time Golf has been a popular sport for centuries, with its roots tracing back to Scotland in the 15th century. While the game of golf has evolved significantly over the years, one aspect that has undergone tremendous change is the golf ball. From feather-filled leather balls to high-tech, aerodynamic balls, the evolution of the golf ball is a fascinating journey. Early Golf Balls The earliest golf balls were made from wood, typically made from hardwood like beech or boxwood. These wooden balls were expensive and time-consuming to make, so they… [Continue Reading “The Evolution of Golf Balls”]

How To Master The Pimento Cheese Sandwich

First things first: what is a pimento cheese sandwich? If you’ve ever gone to a golf tournament, chances are there was a pimento cheese sandwich listed on the menu in the restaurant. The pimento cheese sandwich is a mainstay for both players and spectators because of its legacy, tracing back to one of golf’s biggest tournaments. The Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, is particularly famous for its pimento cheese sandwiches. The club has been serving these sandwiches to its patrons since the 1930s, and… [Continue Reading “How To Master The Pimento Cheese Sandwich”]

18 Holes In Golf: Fact Vs. Myth

Expect 18 Holes The golf hole standard is changing. For so long, we have expected 18 holes in golf. Yes, some courses have stepped outside of the box. The Family Fore course in Vermont keeps it short and sweet with 4 holes. The Parkersburg Country Club in Vienna, West Virginia, has twenty-one holes. However, more often than not, most golf courses will be 18 holes. You may wonder how this came to be. A legend involves whiskey and an ancient Irish pub, but how true this story depends on your proclivity to imagine. Was Whiskey Really Involved? Here are the… [Continue Reading “18 Holes In Golf: Fact Vs. Myth”]

A History on John F. Kennedy and Arnold Palmer

by Frank LaRosa, Golf to Go John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States who served at the height of the Cold War, until his shocking assassination in 1963. Most people over the age of 50 can tell you exactly where they were and who they were with when they heard the news of his death. JFK was part of a wealthy political family. He graduated from Harvard University and spent time in the U.S. Navy. As one of the youngest U. S. Presidents, his life seemed idyllic. He was often pictured sailing and playing touch football… [Continue Reading “A History on John F. Kennedy and Arnold Palmer”]

A Brief History on Haggin Oaks’ Course Architect – Dr. Alister MacKenzie

We want to take a look at the man who not only designed the immaculate course being played but dives into the history of his design influences which have shaped golf course architecture. Dr. Alister MacKenzie (1870-1934) is one of the world’s most renowned golf architects. His interest in design began during his time in the Boer War. During the Boer War, MacKenzie served as a surgeon with the Somerset Regiment in South Africa. This is where he studied the technique, design, and effects of camouflage. Camouflage is the use of natural cover, while also constructing artificial cover that is… [Continue Reading “A Brief History on Haggin Oaks’ Course Architect – Dr. Alister MacKenzie”]

Why do Wedges Have Grooves?

Every golfer knows to keep their wedge grooves clean. Worn grooves make the wedge worse. That is common knowledge, but understanding how the grooves work exactly is less universal. This article should fill in any gaps in understanding wedges Origin of Grooves: it is widely believed that the origins of grooves on golf clubs come from the need to reduce debris between the club and the ball. A helpful analogy is that a club without grooves would perform like racing slick tires. These tires perform exceptionally well on clean dry tracks. However, in wet or dirty conditions particulates prohibit the… [Continue Reading “Why do Wedges Have Grooves?”]

What Are Golf Balls Made Of?

Nowadays, golf balls are characterized as 2-piece, 3-piece, etc in reference to the varying layers of rubber materials that make up the core of the ball. The covers are typically made of either urethane or surlyn. One of the age old questions, along with “are we alone in the universe?” and “what happens after life?” is “what is inside a golf ball?”. What secrets hide within that white exterior? Is it made of chocolate pudding or maybe vanilla? I can say that as disheartening as it is, the inside of a golf ball is not a tasty treat. Well if… [Continue Reading “What Are Golf Balls Made Of?”]

3 Golf Companies That No Longer Manufacture Clubs

The golf club industry is extremely competitive. Immense research and development coupled with ever-growing production costs quickly swallow profits. We estimate that for the most successful golf companies, total profit is less than 4.5% of the cost of a golf club. That is a very slim profit margin. It is no wonder many companies have come and gone throughout the years. Today we will look at four manufacturers that have left the golf club market. Nike We will start with probably the most famous. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nike was on top of the world. Nike’s main… [Continue Reading “3 Golf Companies That No Longer Manufacture Clubs”]

6 Golf Clubs That Influenced The Industry

With each new product release, every golf company seems to tote about the revolutionary technology their product features. Manufacturers are always promising these new advancements will revolutionize the industry. If every clubbed delivered on their promises, we would all be shooting a lot less out on the golf course. How many of these “advancements” actually lived up to the hype? Today we will take a look back on the clubs that truly did shape the industry. 1975 Cobra Baffler Founded in 1973, Cobra created the first “hybrid” golf club called the Cobra Baffler in 1975. This unique design was utilized… [Continue Reading “6 Golf Clubs That Influenced The Industry”]