Willie Macfarlane
Name:
William "Willie" MacfarlaneCountry:
ScotlandLived:
[1889-1961]. Born on June 29, 1889 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Died on Aug 15, 1961 in Miami, Florida (aged 72).Original/Home Club:
Occupation:
Club pro and professional golfer.Turned Pro:
c.1907MAJORS (1): US Open (1925). At least 22 professional wins in the USA between 1916 and 1936.
Like many professional golfers of his generation, Willie Macfarlane left his native Scotland to take up a club professional appointment in the USA, where the golf market was booming in the 1910s and 20s. In 1925 he won the US Open Championship, tieing with the great Bobby Jones over the regulation 72 holes, and again in an 18-hole playoff, then finally prevailing by one shot in the second 18-hole playoff.
America
Metropolitan GA
Played as the Metropolitan Open (May 25-27). Second-placed Paul Runyan (USA) finished 1 shot behind 43-year-old Willie Macfarlane (Scot). [West course, Winged Foot GC, Mamaroneck, NY].
America
x
Played as the Miami Biltmore Open (Dec 8-10; the second of two Miami Biltmore Opens played in 1933). Second-placed Johnny Revolta (USA) finished 4 shots behind Willie Macfarlane (Scot/USA). [The Biltmore, Coral Gables, Miami, FL].
America
x
Played as the inaugural National Capital Open (Oct 29-Nov 1). Second-placed Tommy Armour (Scot/USA) and Sal DiBuono (USA) finished 6 shots behind Macfarlane (Scot). [Kenwood G&CC, Bethesda, Maryland].
America
Metropolitan GA
Played as the Metropolitan Open (July 17-20). Willie Macfarlane (Scot) beat Johnny Farrell (USA) in a Sunday playoff that lasted 36 holes. In their 18-hole morning playoff both had par 70s; this necessitated a further 18-hole afternoon playoff (Macfarlane 72, Farrell 74). [Fairview CC, Elmsford, NY. This course no longer exists; in 1968 the club moved 10 mi east to a new location in Greenwich, CT].
America
PGA of America
Played as the Shawnee Open (July 10/11). Second-placed Leo Diegel (USA) finished 4 shots behind Willie Macfarlane (Scot), who won this event for the second time in four years. [Shawnee CC & Inn, Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania; at the time the Inn was known as the Buckwood Inn].
America
PGA of America
Played as the Shawnee Open (July 13/14). Willie Macfarlane (Scot) beat Willie Klein (USA) in an 18-hole playoff (Macfarlane 71, Klein 75). The playoff was held on the same day as the final 36 holes of regulation play. [Shawnee CC & Inn, Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania; at the time the Inn was known as the Buckwood Inn].
Majors
USGA
The US Open (29th) (June 3-5). Macfarlane (Scot) beat Bobby Jones (USA, amateur) in the second of two 18-hole playoffs. First playoff: both players shot 75 (+4). Second playoff: Macfarlane 72 (+1), Jones 73 (+2). Jones was runner-up for the second straight year. [Worcester CC, Worcester, Mass.].
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
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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