Jekyll Island in USGA History
Cornelius Lee, Secretary of the United States Golf Association (USGA), was a member of the Jekyll Island Club from 1919– 1947. He served as the Chairman of the Green Committee for the Jekyll Island Club. In 1924, under his influence, low-to-high handicap golfers conducted a series of equipment tests on Jekyll Island. These tests resulted in the adoption of a lighter ball and steel-shafted clubs for use by the USGA.
The USGA permitted the use of steel-shafted clubs in 1924. In 1931, it also dictated the use of a larger, lighter ball that was very unpopular. After a year the USGA reverted back to a heavier ball but maintained the larger size.
The Change in technology signified a switch to more modern golf equipment. It also represented America’s shift away from the rules of golf established by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in Scotland, which had determined international golf standards since its fomation in 1754.
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