Changes

In the 1920s, the game began to have ever higher prizes for major tournaments, which contributed to its popularity for players and spectators. The era also saw the development of golf clubs, with new steel-shafted clubs being used by 1930. This helped to lower scores. Ben Hogan, an American, developed into a star by the 1940s, winning the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open all in the same year, which were now considered the most important tournaments on the PGA tour. By 1945, Byron Nelson was the first player to make $63,000 in a year from prize money.<ref>For developments of the PGA tour, see: Barkow, Al. 1989. The History of the PGA Tour. 1st ed. New York: Doubleday.</ref>

Although early in its history golf was played and enjoyed by many women, the development of professional female golfers lagged behind the men. It was only in 1932 that the USGA, along with what was known as the Ladies Golf Union, established the Curtis Cup Match, which became an important female tournament in golf. However, golf throughout the 1930s was still an amateur sport for women. It was only after World War 2, in 1946, that professional golf for women developed. <ref>For a history of professional golf and women, see: Hudson, David L. 2008. Women in Golf: The Players, the History, and the Future of the Sport. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Publishers.</ref>

Golf, as we know it today, however, was mostly shaped by the 1950s and 1960s, when television began to show golf tournaments. The most influential player at this time was Jack Palmer, who began to win money and tournament titles in the late 1950s. His 18 wins at majors eclipsed his predecessors, along with his appearance and demeanor, made him one of the first nationally and internationally recognize athletes in the sport. By 1968, the growing popularity of the PGA led to the PGA forming its own independent association. By 1974, the first World Golf Hall of Fame was established. <ref>For a history of major golf players and tournaments in the post-World War II era, see: Peper, George, Robin McMillan, and James A. Frank, eds. 1988. Golf in America: The First One Hundred Years. New York: H.N. Abrams, pg. 128.</ref>