From left: a feathery ball, c. 1830; a red gutta-percha golf ball, c. 1860; and a Spalding ball, late 19th or early 20th century. Getty Images Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine now for just $19.99 ...

On Thursday, the 144th British Open begins, and players can be grateful that much has changed since four-time champion Old Tom Morris was first playing. A golf ball from 1834 was up for auction at ...