Golf in America

by George B. Kirsch

In this concise social history of golf in the United States from the 1880s to the present, George B. Kirsch tracks the surprising growth of golf as a popular, mainstream sport, in contrast to the stereotype of golf as a pastime enjoyed only by the rich elite. In addition to classic heroes such as Francis Ouiment, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, and Ben Hogan, the annals of golf's early history also include African American players--John Shippen Jr., Ted...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0252032926
• ISBN13: 9780252032929
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The other national pastime

A wonderful book, even for a non-golfer. Highly recommended for anyone, including those who want to understand why hitting a ball with a stick can be so addictive.

An engaging discussion of golf and its role in American culture

George Kirsch's book, Golf in America, deftly combines a history of the sport and its role as a reflection of American cultural changes. The inviting style, the obvious depth of the author's knowledge, and the fine use of appropriate anecdotes makes this book a great read, and a thought-provoking one as well. I'm so pleased that I came across this book, and I would recommend it for golfers as well as for those just curious about the evolution of the sport.