Scoreboards have had a long life and are probably older than most of us who relish the modern-day game. The scoreboards have evolved in a significant manner over the years having moved hand-in-hand with the growing technologies. In the new age, we have been blessed with electronic scoreboards shooting fireworks and animations to celebrate a home run or a victory. There were times when the scoreboards were operated by ‘scoreboard keepers’ with the use of chalks and hanging boards marked with numbers.
Here’s a look at the early scoreboards and the adoption of the electronic scoreboard:
The first ever scoreboard tag is debated between Harvard University and Penn University. Harvard claims to have had the first ever scoreboard during their football game on Thanksgiving Day in 1983, while Penn university claims that they had the first ever scoreboard in 1895. Apart from all of that, the first ever scoreboard mention in the New York Times was in account of Penn’s 12-0 win over Princeton on the 11th of November 1894.
George A. Baird developed an electric baseball scoreboard in 1908, in Chicago. This scoreboard recorded balls, strikes, and outs in electric format, while everything else was still added manually. This was a substantial invention, with great prowess, but it did not prove good enough to be picked up as quickly people thought it would be. It was picked up and tested by only two major league clubs in Boston. The manual scoreboards added more impetus to their profile, over two decades, with extended information about players, lineups, pitcher’s numbers and inning scores.
Gametrackers were an extended innovation of the electric scoreboard, as that did not pick up at the stadiums. The newspapers houses adopted the electric boards to put up the score and simple graphics from the game. This news was telegraphed to the gametracker operators from the stadium. Thousands of people gathered outside the newspaper’s building to keep up with the gametracker and get instant news on the game.
The Yankee Stadium, built in 1923, featured a manual scoreboard for a span of 27 years. The scoreboard was placed in a spot that offered visibility to the fans sitting in all parts of the stadium. In 1950, Yankees unveiled an electronic scoreboard; they claimed this scoreboard to be “the most efficient scoreboard ever built and, in general, a big stride forward.” It featured a non-glare enamel covering and was operated by two operators as opposed to five on the earlier ones.
It is extremely tough to master the nuances of a complex sport like golf. Beginners, in particular, can find it to be exhausting and confusing because of the multiple rules and equipment involved. While one has to work hard on their skills, with the right clubs, golfing can turn into the most rewarding experience.
The following are some common types of golf clubs newbies should know of.
Woods
These types of golf clubs were initially made of wood; however, they are now created with materials like steel or titanium. Woods are useful for propelling the golf ball to the farthest distances. The heads of such clubs are large and rounded, whereas their base is flat, which allows the player to effortlessly swing the club over the ground. Driver and fairways are the two most popular kinds of woods used.
Irons
The irons are used once the player is closer to the green, i.e., when one is within 200 yards of the hole. The iron golf set covers clubs numbered from 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge. The lower numbered irons can be a little tricky to use. Therefore, several beginners adjust their golf set by picking a few wood clubs so that they could comfortably strike the ball and at the same time cover big distances.
Wedges
The pitching wedge is incorporated in the standard iron set; however, one will need to purchase other types of wedges too. These golf clubs have a high loft with a short shaft and come in handy for hitting the ball over the tree or removing the golf ball from the sand. The sand, gap, and lob are some popular sorts of wedges that can be bought separately. However, the beginners, usually only need the pitching edge. They can buy the additional variety as their level of play advances.
Putters
Every golfer needs putter in their set as it serves an essential purpose, i.e., pushing the ball in the hole when the player is on the green. The putter clubs are available in 3 different styles, including heel-toe, mallet, and traditional blade. Mallets are the recommended option for most beginners. Generally, standard putters are 32 to 36 inches long; however, one can get them customized based on their comfort.
Hybrids
Also called as utility clubs, hybrids are a comparatively a newer addition in professional and recreational golf. The hybrids combine the shaft of the irons and the head of the fairway wood. They are designed to replace the lower numbered irons that are difficult to play with. These clubs cover the same distances as irons but are easier to swing, making them ideal for beginners.
A seasoned player or rookie, it is important to know that the key to a good golf game is using the right club. At times, choosing a golf club can turn into a daunting task because of the extensive range of golf clubs that are available in the market. Several players, especially, beginners make the blunder of buying clubs that don’t agree with their swing mechanics or level of play. Therefore, before making a purchase, here are some essential factors one should scrutinize.
Golf club length
It is imperative for a player to get a golf club of the right length. Standard golf clubs are designed for men and women with an approximate height of 5 foot 10 inches. If players are taller or shorter than the stated height, then they will need to get their golf clubs customized. Likewise, physical strength also needs to be taken into consideration. So, individuals with short stature can opt for lighter golf clubs so that it doesn’t interfere with their swing power.
Grips
The grips are crucial for maintaining the player’s control over the golf club. Going for the wrong grips can impede one’s golf game. There are four types of grips to choose from, i.e., the standard grip, the under-sized grip, the mid-sized grip, and the over-sized grip. Moreover, they come in a variety of textures like smooth, coarse, and abrasive. To pick the best grips, one should consult a professional golf fitter.
Shaft material
The shaft of the golf club makes up for the majority of its weight. Typically, these shafts are created using graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are comparatively more expensive. However, they are lighter and render better distance with every swing. Moreover, their lightness makes it simpler for the player to swing. This feature could benefit people who significantly lack arm strength. Alternatively, steel is heavier and cheaper but makes a great option for individuals who have a good arm strength and need the additional weight to restrain their swings.
Accessories
While buying a golf club, one should ensure to buy some essential accessories like a golf bag, gloves, and shoes. Although it is optional to use gloves and golf shoes, these accessories can come in handy. The gloves can improve the grip on the golf club, and the shoes can prevent the player from slipping and falling on the course.