Francis Ouimet
Name:
Francis DeSales OuimetCountry:
USALived:
[1893-1967]. Born on May 8, 1893 in Brookline, nr Boston, Mass. Died on Sept 2, 1967 in Newton, nr Brookline, Mass (age 74).Original/Home Club:
Brookline, Mass.Occupation:
Amateur golfer, Captain of the R&A Golf Club in St Andrews.Turned Pro:
n/aWebsite:
https://www.ouimet.orgMAJORS (1). US Amateur champion (1914, '31). Walker Cup player (1922, '23, '24, '26, '28, '30, '32, '34). Walker Cup captain (1936, '38, '47, '49). Captain R&A Golf Club in St Andrews (1951). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 1974).
Ouimet is considered America’s first golfing hero and is frequently referred to as the "father of amateur golf" in the United States. As a relatively unknown 20-year-old amateur and former caddie, he won the 1913 U.S. Open Championship, which was staged at the Country Club, Brookline, just across the road from where he grew up. After 72-holes he was tied with the great Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, and then comfortably won the 18-hole playoff by five shots. Ouimet turned down the offer of an experienced member who wished to caddie for him in the playoff, deciding instead to stay with 10-year old Eddie Lowery. The photograph of Ouimet and Lowery marching side-by-side down the fairway is one of the most famous images in golf.
Ouimet had grown up in a modest home across the street from the 17th hole at The Country Club, and was self-taught, learning to play in his backyard. Prior to his U.S. Open victory, the championship had been largely dominated by British golfers. Ouimet's victory and unlikely background combined to create a transformational moment in American golf. Within ten years the number of American players had tripled, many new courses were built, including public courses, and the game was not considered the exclusive preserve of the wealthy elite.
Ouimet went on to a distinguished amateur golf career. He won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1914 and 1931, played on the first eight Walker Cup teams and was Captain of the next four. Revered as a goodwill ambassador for the game, he became the first American elected Captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1951. The U.S. Senior Open Trophy is named after him, as are several others around the country.
Amateur
USGA
The US Amateur Championship (35th) (Aug 31-Sept 5). Francis Ouimet (USA) beat Jack Westland (USA) 6 and 5 in the 36-hole final. [Beverly CC, Chicago, IL].
Amateur
USGA
The US Amateur Championship (20th) (Aug 31-Sept 5). Francis Ouimet (USA) beat Jerome Travers (USA) 6 and 5 in the 36-hole final. [Ekwanok CC, Manchester Village, VT].
Majors
USGA
The US Open (19th) (Sept 18-20). Ouimet (USA, amateur) beat Harry Vardon (Jersey) and Ted Ray (Jersey) in an 18-hole playoff (Ouimet 72, Vardon 77, Ray 78). [The Country Club, Brookline, Boston, MA].
Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).
French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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