7 technological advances that have changed the face of golf course architecture

First cast of stainless steel, metal drivers were a novelty in the 1970s but gradually caught on when tour pros began putting them into play in the '80s. Now largely made of titanium, larger heads create a bigger "sweet spot" that has improved both distance and consistency.

Balls of wound rubber were the standard through the turn of the century, when solid hard rubber quickly became the standard. Tiger Woods began using a two-piece Nike ball right before his "Tiger Slam" in 2000-01, and Titleist's Pro VI model was instantly embraced.

It used to be a player carried two wedges -- a pitching wedge and a sand wedge could take care of most shots 100 yards and in. Now wedges come in four types (pitching, gap, sand, lob) with lofts as steep as 64 degrees. Most pros and top amateurs carry four wedges these days.

A cross between a fairway wood and long iron, the larger head allows players to get the ball airborne easier out of tall or thick rough. The small-headed clubs have essentially replaced 1- and 2-irons, and some women and seniors will carry three or four hybrids in their bag.

Lighter and able to create faster swing speeds, graphite was first introduced in the 1970s but didn't catch on for a decade as durability came into question. It took a decade to solve the issue, but graphite is now the standard shaft for woods any many hybrids.

Cheaper and less damaging to surfaces underneath, plastic spikes first appeared in 1988 and were an instant hit among both golfers and cost-conscious course owners. It wasn't long before metal spikes were outlawed at most courses. Today's golfers under 30 may never have worn metal spikes.

Advances in turfgrass technology have created strains more resistant to heat, humidity and closer mowing. Today's well-manicured fairways typically are cut at a height used for greens 40 years ago. Green measurements reach some three feet faster now.