A Look Back and Forward... 1900 vs 2024 in Golf

What score won the Olympics in 1900 and how long was the course?

Kim said:
What score won the Olympics in 1900 and how long was the course?

Charles Sands from the US won with rounds of 82 and 85 at the Compiègne Club, a par 70. It’s fascinating to think about how the game was played on such courses.

@Kiran
Thanks for the info! Golf really has evolved, hasn’t it? Wondering about how far it can still go.

Kim said:
@Kiran
Thanks for the info! Golf really has evolved, hasn’t it? Wondering about how far it can still go.

Those guys were real talents, playing with old clubs and balls on basic courses, yet still shooting scores like today.

@Kelley
Comparing scores across eras is tough. The equipment and courses were so different but the talent was undeniable.

Zoren said:
@Kelley
Comparing scores across eras is tough. The equipment and courses were so different but the talent was undeniable.

My local course is a century old and features long par 3s. It’s a throwback to those days.

@True
Which course is that? It sounds like a rare challenge.

@True
My club hosted the PGA in '48 and still challenges with its long par 3s.

@Kelley
Give Harry Vardon today’s gear, and he’d still be a top contender.

Did they use a baseball grip in 1900?

Valen said:
Did they use a baseball grip in 1900?

Seems like they really squeezed those clubs too.

Can we see a photo comparison with the 2024 gold medalist?

Mack said:
Can we see a photo comparison with the 2024 gold medalist?

Didn’t Scottie Scheffler just win this time?

Looks like Schauffele is still on the backswing while Sands was already hitting down.

The more things change, the more they stay the same, right?

Maxwell said:
The more things change, the more they stay the same, right?

And yet, we never seem to learn.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

They really had strong grips back then.

So you’re saying reincarnation is a thing?

So I play like it’s 1900 then.