When were golf professionals first branded as professionals?

The branding of golf professionals as "professionals" took a significant turn in April 1901. This period marked the establishment of a more formal recognition of individuals who played golf for a living, differentiating them from amateurs. The creation of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) shortly after this time also solidified this identity, as it aimed to promote the interests of golf professionals and provide them with a collective voice. This pivotal moment in April effectively laid the groundwork for the professionalization of golf, influencing how players were viewed and how the game evolved in terms of both participation and competition.

Understanding this event is crucial because it highlights the evolution of the golf industry and the recognition of the importance of professional golfers in its development. The other dates do not align with the historical context of when the branding was formalized, making April 1901 the key date.