History of golf property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes. Due to the status of St Andrews as the golfing capital, all other courses followed suit and the 18 hole course remains the standard to the present day. The evolution of golf can be explained by the development of the equipment used to play the game. Some
Timeline of golf history (1945–99) the top three of a major tournament. Jack Nicklaus wins the PGA Championship - unusually played in February in 1971 - but then surprisingly loses the Masters, beaten in the final round by unheralded playing partner Charles Coody. Nicklaus would then lose a playoff for the U.S. Open to Lee Trevino. The classic golf book "Golf in the Kingdom" by Michael Murphy, is published. 1972 Carolyn Cudone wins the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur for a record fifth consecutive time. Dick Kimbrough completes 364 holes in 24 hours at the 6,068 North Platte CC in Nebraska. Tom Doty records 10-under-par in