Harry Vardon

Date of Birth: May 9, 1870

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 20, 1937

Biography

Harry Vardon was a legendary professional golfer from Jersey, Channel Islands, and is often credited as one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport. Born on May 9, 1870, Vardon gained fame for his exceptional skill and innovative techniques, including the grip that bears his name, the “Vardon Grip,” which is still widely used by golfers today. His golfing career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during which he won six Open Championships—a record that still stands as of this writing. Vardon was known for his meticulous approach to the game, his sportsmanship, and his ability to perform under pressure. He also had a significant impact on popularizing golf in the United States, particularly through his participation in the 1900 U.S. Open, which he won. His rivalry with contemporaries like James Braid and J.H. Taylor helped to elevate the status of professional golf. In addition to his competitive achievements, Vardon authored several instructional books on golf, further cementing his influence on the sport. He battled tuberculosis throughout much of his life, which impacted his career but did not diminish his passion for the game. Harry Vardon passed away on March 20, 1937, but his legacy continues to live on in the world of golf.

5 Interesting Facts about Harry Vardon

1. Harry Vardon won the Open Championship a record six times: in 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, and 1914.

2. He introduced the “Vardon Grip,” which is now the most commonly used grip in golf.

3. Vardon was the first professional golfer to play in knickerbockers, which became a popular style in golf attire.

4. He won the 1900 U.S. Open, making him the first international player to win the tournament.

5. Vardon battled tuberculosis, which affected his later career but did not stop him from competing at a high level.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Vardon

1. “Don’t play too much golf. Two rounds a day are plenty.”

2. “To play well you must feel tranquil and at peace.”

3. “Never concede the putt that beats you.”

4. “There are two things you can do with your head down – play golf and pray.”

5. “More matches are lost through carelessness at the beginning than any other cause.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Harry Vardon’s net worth was modest compared to today’s athletes, primarily due to the era in which he played. However, his influence and contributions to golf were invaluable.