| The sport of golf may date its origins as far back | | | | the U.S. Women's Open, by the 1970's, the LPGA |
| as ancient Rome, when a leather ball was set on | | | | (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tour included |
| a wet sand golf tee instead of the performance | | | | events like the Colgate-Dinah Shore Winner's |
| enhanced version used today. When women first | | | | Circle that boasted regular six figure prize money. |
| picked up the sport is unsure, but as early as | | | | Nonetheless, the road to respect was a difficult |
| 1552, there were avid women golfers. | | | | one. Many female golfers endured discrimination |
| One of these was none other than Mary, Queen | | | | and ridicule. Without the bravery and spirit of |
| of Scots. According to legend, it was Mary who | | | | many early female golfers, young women who |
| coined the term 'caddie' through the habit of calling | | | | grace the greatest golf tours today may not |
| her helpers cadets. The world famous St. | | | | have been able to achieve the level of success |
| Andrews castle and course was also built during | | | | they currently enjoy. |
| this time, where over 300 years later, the first | | | | Today, professional women golfers put their |
| women's golf club was created in 1867. | | | | names on personalized golf tees and endorse |
| Many golf courses were quick to pick up on the | | | | other products just as the men do. But more |
| popularity of golf with women and associations | | | | importantly, they receive regular purses of over |
| and tournaments that encouraged women began | | | | $1 million dollars in their tournament play. |
| appearing as soon as the late 1800's. | | | | With female pros like Michelle Wie, who at age 10 |
| One of the first championships to be held | | | | qualified for a USGA amateur tournament, and |
| specifically for women was the U.S. Women's | | | | only three years later won a USGA adult |
| Amateur competition. This 1895 event happened | | | | competition, many more young female golfers will |
| at a Hempstead, New York club called "The | | | | have a tough act to follow. But their opportunities |
| Meadow Brook." | | | | today are unlimited, due entirely to the |
| The women of golf soon had multiple | | | | perseverance of the women who came before |
| tournaments and associations to support them, | | | | them. |
| and in 1917, the Women's Tournament arm of | | | | Today, there are professional associations for |
| the USGA was formed to oversee the growing | | | | women in the United States, Europe, Korea, and |
| number of events. Although the first televised | | | | Japan. The sport continues to grow and gain |
| event for women did not occur until 1963 with | | | | popularity throughout the world. |