Organized golf began in Scotland in the fifteenth century. Since then many people have taken up the game. But who were the best? How do you compare their achievements from the time of the featherie ball, a sewn leather sphere stuffed with feathers, to the modern era of aerodynamically tested surlyn balls and titanium-shafted clubs?

The Golf 100 compares the records of golfers beginning with the nineteenth century and ending with contemporary pros such as Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and Nick Faldo. But how does one measure the nineteenth-century achievements of Allan Robertson, the first true professional, unbeatable in big-money match play events in Scotland, with Jack Nicklaus, who won more majors than any other golfer in history? The author does just that by noting the tournament records of each golfer, the level of competition, and other factors, such as stroke average and records in major tournaments.

McCord's top-ranked golfers are Jack Nicklaus (1), Ben Hogan (2), Bobby Jones (3), Sam Snead (4), Byron Nelson (5),Arnold Palmer (6), Gary Player (7),Walter Hagen (8), Gene Sarazen (9), and Harry Vardon (10). Why rank Elen Hogan, winner of 63 PGA events, ahead of Sam Snead, a winner of a record 84? Why rank Harry Vardon, a golfer of almost a century ago, over Lee Trevino, who won both the British and American Opens in the same year? The author substantiates his choices by providing colorful, detailed biographies with little-known facts about each golfer. An added bonus is a separate ranking of the top women golfers of all time, including Nancy Lopez, Babe Zaharias, and Patty Slieehan.

Fully illustrated with photographs, The Golf 100 provides grist for many golf discussions and is a must for any sports library.