Born in 1870 on the British island of Jersey - in the English Channel, halfway between France and England – Harry Vardon was the first golfing celebrity and one of the game’s most influential players. During his prolific career he won 62 professional titles and seven majors (the 1900 US Open, and 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911 and 1914 British Opens). His many honours include inclusion in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Today, the scoring leaders on the European and US Tours both receive the Harry Vardon Trophy.
Vardon popularised what is known as the “Vardon Grip” and his instruction books are still relevant among modern-day golfers trying to improve their game. He also gave his name to a ball, the “Vardon Flyer”.
Vardon took up the game in his teens, inspired by his brother Tom’s success as professional, and decided he also wanted the same job. He turned professional at 20, in 1890, and his first titles came quickly. His first major win was in the 1896 British Open, where he played in what would become his signature attire: knickers (he was the first golfer to do so), dress shirt, tie and buttoned jacket.
The jacket made play awkward, but Vardon still gained fame for his smooth, free-swinging movement which enabled him to hit the ball more upright than any of his contemporaries – giving him a huge advantage on approach shots as they had greater carry and a softer landing.
His fame spread in 1900 when he joined the US Tour and played more than 80 exhibition matches - often against the better-ball of two opponents – and he won 70 of these games. He also won the US Open that year, and 20 years later – aged 50 – was second in the same championship.
Vardon, J.H. Taylor and James Braid, who finished their careers with a combined total of 16 victories in the British Open – and who in the 1900 British Open finished first, second and third – became known as the “Great Triumvirate” of British golfers.
Vardon was struck by tuberculosis in 1903 and his game wasn’t the same again, but he recovered to win the British Open in 1911 and 1914.
After leaving competitive golf Vardon dedicated himself to designing courses and writing instruction books, one of which – “The Gist of Golf” – is considered a classic.
He died in 1937, at 67. In 1974 his name was inscribed as a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
