Born on an Island in the English Channel Harry Vardon was not exposed to the game of golf until the town decided to build a golf course. It was after this when Harry began to learn and play the game of golf. Even though he loved the game he did not play many rounds of golf, however he became on of the most influential golfer of all time.

Harry Vardon decided at the age of thirteen that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a gardener and began his apprenticeship. He decided to change his mind after seeing his brother, whom turned professional, play in and earn a living playing golf tournaments.

Harry Vardon was a self taught player. His swing was more upright than was the norm in that era. This uprightness allowed him to hit the ball higher, produced further carry and yet the ball landed softer on the greens. Most of all He taught himself a reliable and repeatable swing.

This swing allowed him to win 7 professional major tournaments. He won 6 British Opens and one US Open in 1900. He first won the British Open in 1896 and agin in 1898, 1899 and 1903. After winning the 1903 British Open he was diagnosed with tuberculosis which he battled off and on for 7 years. Then won the British Open again in 1911 and 1914.

Harry Vardon was involved in the famous 18 hole playoff at the 1913 US Open at The Country Club in Brookline. He was one stroke behind standing on the 17th tee which he bogied and Francis Ouimet, the eventual winner, birdied. This event sparked a popularity boom for the game of golf in America.

Harry Vardon was considered golf’s first superstar. He still has the record for the most wins in the British Open. The PGA Tour and the European Tour award the Vardon Trophy to the player with the lowest scoring average for the year. Also Harry Vardon invented the Vardon grip which is used by the majority of touring professionals today.

“I do not think anyone who saw him play in his prime will disagree as to this, that a greater genius is inconceivable.” - Bernard Darwin

Vardon was born May 9, 1870, in Grouville, Jersey, one of the Chann
Harry Vardon’s Bio:
Date of Birth: May 9, 1870
Date of Death: March 20, 1937
Birthplace: Grouville, Isle of Jersey

Major Accomplishments
1896: British Open
1898: British Open
1899: British Open
1900: US Open
1903: British Open
1911: British Open
1914: British Open