Spotting a ball on the green.

Question
When did the practice of spotting your ball on the green, first start.
In the movie, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Francis Ouimet's ball ended behind Harry Vardons ball. Vardon did not spot his ball. In an attempt to make the shot, Ouimet chipped over Vardon's ball but missed the shot.
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Mr. Vankirk,

The date you are probably looking for is 1952.  That's when the "stymie" was taken out of the game by the USGA and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.  But there were situations prior to 1952 when a ball could be spotted on the green.  In a similar case to the example you described, if the two balls on the green were within 6 inches of each other, the ball closest to the hole had to be spotted.

Hope that wins you a bet or at least satisfies your curiosity.

Best wishes,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional