Where Does The Term Birdie Come From?

Backspin

Where Does The Term Birdie Come From?

We all love making birdies.  Who doesn’t right?  But did you know the origin of the term?  Well, in golf history standards the term birdie isn’t that old at all.

Atlantic City Country Club in 1903 and the story goes something like this.  Brothers Ab and William P. Smith where playing a round of golf with George A Crump, who later went on to build Pine Valley.  They where playing the par 4 2nd hole at the country club.  Ab Smith’s second shot went within inches of the hole and he proclaimed, “That was a bird of a shot.”  He proclaimed that with a score of one under par he should be paid double for such a feat.  It was agreed upon and from that day forward we call that a “birdie”.

To see all the featured articles of Backspin-The History of the Game please click here.

Thank you for reading and please leave your comments below.

Sources:  www.scottishgolfhistory.org, USGA Golf Museum

Mike Fay

Mike Fay

PGA Director of Instruction

With over 30 years of teaching experience, it's easy to see why Mike has become a leader in the world of golf instruction. Everything from cutting edge social networking techniques to having his own podcast, Mike has helped to change the face of teaching golf.  He currently is the Director of Instruction at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, Michigan.

Email:  [email protected]

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