Willie Leith’s Records in Teaching Golf

Golf professionals today use a wide array of high tech and low tech gadgetry in their never-ending quest to help us improve every aspect of our games. Video replay, interactive DVD’s, shotmaking simulators, putting arcs, whippy drivers, impact balls and hundreds of other teaching and training aids all have their advocates.

So what did golf pros offer before this industry developed?

I came across one answer in a short note in the January 1915 issue of The American Golfer, a popular golf magazine that began in 1908 and continued until 1936. Here is what I found:

Willie Leith, professional at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club, is planning to give lessons by means of the phonograph. He will talk into the machine and then mail the records to players who cannot visit him in his “study.”

I penned this rhyme in response:

A dub went out to the putting green

With his gramophone, record and all

He listened intently and stroked balls so gently

But still could not get them to fall!