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→The Game Today
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 tournaments eclipsed his predecessors, along with while his friendly appearance and simple demeanor, made him one of the first nationally and internationally recognize recognized athletes in the sport. This also changed golf as being perceived as a rich man's game into something that anyone can play. By 1968, the growing popularity of the PGA led to the PGA forming its own independent association. By In 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>
Today, the sport is known for its high prize money, with Tiger Woods dominating, until recently, in popularity and prize money. New icons such as Rory McIlroy have emerged. The celebrity status given to major golfers, high tournament payoffs, and television continue to contribute to the PGA tour's popularity, all the while the sport has spread to many countries and new tournaments established in exotic places.
==Conclusion==
