Golf News, Updates & Exclusive Interviews
Get all the latest golf news and updates at your fingertips. SportsBoom is a hub dishing up interviews, previews, and explainer pieces. You can also learn about the rules and etiquette, as well as the legends that served the game with distinction. Golf is a club-and-ball sport that is loved and infuriated in equal measure, so let’s discover what you should know.
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Major Golf Tournaments
Most golfers dream of winning a major, and these four tournaments ultimately define golfing greatness.
The Masters Tournament
Arguably the most prestigious of golf’s majors, the Masters is the only major played at the same venue (Augusta). Previously known as the Augusta National, and founded by amateur golfer Bobby Roberts, the champion is awarded a green jacket.
US Open
Renowned for tough setups, the US Open is open to amateur and pro golfers, and the winner is the player who records the fewest strokes. This event has been held annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) since 1895.
The Open Championship (British Open)
The Open Championship is the oldest-running major, dating back to 1860, and the R&A runs it outside of the US and Mexico. This tournament is played on a links course, which provides a tough test, and the winner picks up the Claret Jug.
PGA Championship
Operated by the PGA of America, this PGA Tour event rotates courses each year, and there is usually an elite field that takes part.
The Rules of Golf
If you haven’t watched the sport before, let’s unpack the key golf rules, as there are plenty of intricacies associated with the game.
The Golf Course & Layout
Tournaments are played on standard 18-hole courses, and typically par might be set around 72. There will be a mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s designed to test precision and accuracy.
St Andrews is credited with having the first-ever 18-hole course in 1764. Players start their rounds from the tee box, and reaching the fairways and greens is the objective. Often, playing out of the rough and bunkers creates its own dangers, while players landing in water hazards face a one-stroke penalty and will need relief.
Golf Clubs & Equipment
The technology has come a long way, as players originally utilized wooden clubs. Nowadays, clubs are made with metal for durability. The introduction of hybrids; a hybrid between wood and iron; replaced long irons, which became frustrating to carry around the course.
Golf Scoring System & Etiquette
Stroke play is the default golf scoring system. Players who complete a 72-hole tournament in the fewest strokes win. A birdie on a hole is one shot under par, while an eagle is two strokes under par. Bogeys (one shot over par) and double bogeys (two strokes over par), in contrast, are the bug bears of players.
Players are expected to always act with integrity and call ‘Fore’ if they hit a wayward shot that heads in the crowd’s direction.
Golf Legends
Golf is littered with talent and personality, and SportsBoom.us has shone a light on a few players who have transcended the game:
Jack Nicklaus: Nicknamed the ‘Golden Bear’, Jack Nicklaus still holds the record for most Majors won (18), and since retiring, has designed many courses.
Tiger Woods: A dominant figure during the 1990s and early 2000s, Tiger Woods became the first player to win four majors in a row (Tiger Slam), and he collected 82 PGA Tour titles.
Rory McIlroy: A modern great known for his lofty drives, Rory McIlroy won the Career Slam in 2025 by clinching the Masters, and he’s held in high regard.
Arnold Palmer: The late Arnold Palmer was one of golf’s most influential figures, winning seven majors. He even had a non-alcoholic drink named after him — the Arnold Palmer cocktail — which is made from one part iced tea and one part lemonade
Annika Sörenstam: One of the greatest LPGA Tour golfers in history, Annika Sörenstam earned over $20 million during her illustrious career, and she won 10 majors.
The Future of Golf
Golf continues to grow, and the emphasis is on appealing to a younger demographic. We’ve identified some other trends that are happening:
- 1
Young Stars: There is an explosion of young talent on the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour who produce a fearless brand of golf, such as Collin Morikawa and Jeeno Thitikul.
- 2
Technology & Training: Golfers are turning to simulators and ball-tracking technology to help monitor stats. This tech has helped attract a more diverse audience.
- 3
Expanding Audience: More digitalised access through social media platforms has helped bring younger fans closer to the stars. The introduction of shorter-format tournaments and greater broadcaster coverage has enabled golf to gain traction with broader demographics.
A Brief History of Golf
Golf’s origins have often been fiercely contested, but we have outlined the defining eras and how the sport evolved:
Scottish Origins
Although originally banned, King James IV of Scotland gave golf the royal seal of approval in 1502. As the world’s first golf monarch, he paved the way for games to be played on Scottish links before the sport spread throughout Europe.
Organised Golf & the Club Era
Golf officially became recognized as a sport when the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith formed the first club in 1744. Later in the 18th Century, the St Andrews Society of Golfers was formed to compete in its own tournament using Leith’s codified rules.
Global Spread & Professional Era
The United States Golf Association (USGA), which was established in 1894, was responsible for ushering in the modern game. With greater levels of commercial funding dedicated to sponsorship, the USA quickly became the epicenter of the sport.
With tours now spanning multiple continents, golf is a truly global sport, and it has gained greater exposure.