Hi Tigress,
Your opinions are just as valid as any "Males".

Female doesn't mean dumb nor oes it mean you can't play in the game.

So feel free to chime in when ya like most certainly.
Dred ,
The history of golf has been one of advances over all these years. Your link is a perfect example. From the featherie to the Prov1X it's still a golf ball. From Hickory shafts to the latest in nano technology in graphite shafts. From wooden clubs to very thin faced Titanium drivers. The course have changed. They are longer. Maintained to standards never before thought of back in the old days. CLubs are better and balls longer.
Over time I bet that when they went from hickory to aluminum they thought "Oh my gosh the game has gone nuts". When the went from Aluminum to steel and titanium again , "What are they doing to our precious game". Now there are course 7200 and longer. Greens that roll sa fast its like putting on a pool table.
Yet , when you look at the stats over the years , the average golfer shoots the same scores. The average golfer in america shoots well into the 90's. So people who shoot in the 80's aren't really that bad. SLightly above agerage. The players that shoot regularly in the 70's are considered good players. Those that can shoot in the 60's every now and then are considered VERY good players. This is of course all reletive to the length of the course and tees played , but generally 70 shooters are probably about 10 percent of the entire golfing population. Thats pretty damn good when you think about it.
The game is still to this day about getting it in the hole in the least amount of strokes possible. It will always be that way.
Rules for the most part are the same. Yes there have been a few changes but very few. The basics of the game remain the same. Don't touch it anywhere until you reach the green or you'll get a stroke or 2 added. Depending on why your touching it.
Tigress,
I agree that Hogan is one of the greatest and a hero to boot. I consider him my all time favorite ball striker. He could hit it so pure it was amazing. His practice habits and the way he approached the game was incredible and I admire is tenasity to no end. THe way he fought back from the injury to win majors and contend well into his years was nothing short of a miracle. He is truly a legend.
GOlf has changed over the centuries and years....it will continue to evolve. No always to many's liking , but it will change and get better. But , no matter how it changes one thing remains the same. IF you don't put the effort in to get better, if you don't practice every part of the game , and try to understand the game , you'll always just be average.