By the 1930s the balance of power in the game most definitely shifted from the UK across the Atlantic.

The invention of television also brought the game to the masses.

It made household names of American greats such as Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and the 'Golden Bear', Jack Nicklaus.

They dominated the game in the 1950s and 1960s.

But by the 1970s, European golfers were back, challenging America's grip on the game.

Players such as Tony Jacklin, Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo dominated golf's 'major' tournaments.

And equality was finally restored when in 1985 Sam Torrance's putt gave a long-awaited victory to Europe in the Ryder Cup, a team competition against America staged every two years.

But by the dawn of the 21st century the game was back in the grip of America - and one man in particular.

Tiger Woods.

Still only 28, Woods has already won eight majors, including a grand slam of back-to-back titles in 2000/2001.

He has some way to go to match the record of 18 major victories set by the great Jack Nicklaus.

But Woods' achievements have already seen him labelled the greatest golfer of all time.