This work attributes the popularity of golf to the introduction of the solid gutta percha golf ball in 1848 and the American rubber-cored ball in 1900. The book describes, in the light of these dramatic golf ball changes, how the ball and club evolved, the types of material used, the people who made the clubs and balls, those who have excelled at the game, and the effects the implements had on the development of the swing and on golf-course design. There are illustrated chapters on golfing art and golfing memorabilia, as well as shorter chapters on patents, designs and the origins of the game and related games. Included at the back is a directory of golf-club- and ball-makers and golf artists.