NATIONAL GOLF LOVER’S DAY | OCTOBER 4
National Golf Lover’s Day on October 4th provides an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to swing down the fairway at least one more time during the season.
#GolfLoversDay
While celebrating the day, you might notice it is sometimes also referred to as National Golf Day. Since 1952, the PGA has held a charity event each year for National Golf Day, which is held on different days each year.
The modern game of golf may have originated in 15th century Scotland. However, it is unclear and very much debated as to its ancient origins.
The world’s oldest golf tournament is The Open Championship. Its first tournament played on October 17, 1860, at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland.Golf in the United States:
- 1779 – The Royal Gazette of New York City posted an advertisement for golf clubs and golf balls.
- 1796 – The Georgia Gazette publishes notice of an annual general meeting for a golf club in Savannah.
- Golf became firmly established in the late 19th century.
- 1894 – Delegates from the Newport Country Club, Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Yonkers, New York, The Country Club, Chicago Golf Club, and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club met in New York City to form what became the United States Golf Association (USGA).
- 1910 – There were 267 Clubs affiliated to the USGA.
- 1922 – Walter Hagen became the first native-born American to win the British Open Championship.
- 1932 – There were more than 1,100 Clubs affiliated to the USGA.
- 1980 – Over 5,908 Clubs affiliated to the USGA.
- 2013 – Over 10,600 Clubs affiliated to the USGA.
HOW TO OBSERVE GOLF LOVER’S DAY
In many parts of the country, golfers hit the links all year long. However, in the more northern regions, courses will close due to cooler temperatures preventing golfers from chasing the elusive hole-in-one. While you can, get out and golf a round or two. Invite friends to join you. Visit a course you’ve never been to before. Challenge yourself to a more difficult course. Improve your handicap or offer to teach someone the game.
No matter what you do, include someone else in your endeavors. When we #CelebrateEveryDay, it’s important to include others in those moments. Gather your friends and enjoy a round of golf. While you’re celebrating, be sure to give your favorite courses a shout out. They may be the most challenging or the ones where you’ve made outstanding memories. Share a video of your best shot and final score.
You can also explore Golf History. Use #GolfLoversDay to post on social media.
Educators and families, visit us in the classroom for project ideas designed to Celebrate Every Day!
NATIONAL GOLF LOVER’S DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this sports holiday. However, it’s interesting to note that the first U.S. Men’s Open Golf Championship was held on this day in 1895.
October 4th Celebrated History
1895
In Newport, Rhode Island, Horace Rawlins won the first U.S. Open Men’s Golf Championship.
1923
Edwin Hubble discovers the first Cepheid variable star in the Andromeda nebula.
1927
In the Black Hills of South Dakota, artist Gutzon Borglum begins sculpting Mount Rushmore.
1957
The Soviet Union launches Sputnik into orbit ushering in the Space Age. Sputnik is the first artificial satellite launched into space.
1985
Richard Stallman founded the Free Software Foundation in support of the free software movement.
2013
Chris Kent of Sevierville, TN grew the world’s largest watermelon. The green giant weighed in at 350.5 pounds (159 kg).
October 4th Celebrated Birthdays
Rutherford B. Hayes – 1822
The 19th president of the United States hailed from Ohio. During his term in office, Hayes oversaw the end of reconstruction of the South. Before his role as president, Hayes served in the Civil War and was elected to Congress.
Damon Runyon – 1880
The writer and journalist is best known for his collection of short stories published in the book Guys and Dolls. The book was made into a Broadway musical in 1950.
Lucy Tayiah Eads – 1888
As the first woman named as chief of the Kanza, also known as the Kaw Nation, Eads served from 1908 to 1934.
Alice Stewart – 1906
The British epidemiologist is one of the first physicians to recognize the effects of radiation from x-rays.
Charlton Heston – 1923
The actor’s phenomenal career brought the motion picture world such epic films as Ben-Hur, The Ten Commandments and The Planet of the Apes.
Senaida Wirth – 1926
The shortstop played five seasons in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. She made five championship playoffs during her career.
Dick Tracy – 1931
Chester Gould created the crime-fighting comic strip character Dick Tracy which debuted on October 4, 1931, in the Detroit Mirror.
Anne Rice – 1941
The American author is best known for her vampire novels. Her novel Interview with a Vampire was made into a film starring Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Slater, Thandie Newton, and Antonio Banderas.
Tony La Russa – 1944
Following his 10 years as an MLB player, Larussa took on the challenge as coach and manager with the Chicago White Sox. He led the Oakland A’s to a World Series title in 1989. While with the St. Louis Cardinals, he led the team to two World Series championships in 2006 and 2011. After leaving the Cardinals, he returned to the White Sox.
Russell Simmons – 1957
In 1984, Simmons co-founded Def Jam Records. He is also an entrepreneur and film producer.
