Alex Herd wins the British Open using a Haskell ball, wide acceptance follows. 1903 Oakmont C.C. is founded in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, designed by Henry Fownes. It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of penal-style golf architecture. Pinehurst opens its number 2 course, designed by Donald Ross. Walter J. Travis becomes the first American to win the British Amateur.
Golf is played as an Olympic sport for the second time.
1905 Women golfers from Great Britain and the United States play an international match, with the British winning 6 matches to 1. The first dimple-pattern for golf balls is patented by William Taylor in England. The Complete Golfer by Harry Vardon is published. It promotes and demonstrates the Vardon or overlapping grip. 3rd consecutive U.S. Open the only player to do so.