| |
 |
|
Vardon
Holds a Firm Grip on Golf History |
|
By
Greg Smith
Manager of Media Relations
Nearly 70 years have passed since Harry Vardon’s death,
but his impact on the game of golf is undeniable to this day.
Not only is he remembered for his “Vardon Grip”
of the golf club, but his steady swing and instructional books
continue to influence players to this day. His dominance during
the early 1900s is still recognized, as scoring leaders for
both the U.S. and European PGA Tours are annually rewarded the
Harry Vardon Trophy.
 |
Harry
Vardon |
When
asked about Vardon, golf writer Bernard Darwin said, “I
do not think anyone who saw him play in his prime will disagree
as to this, that a greater genius is inconceivable.”
Born in the Channel Islands (the group of islands between England
and France), Vardon learned the game of golf at an early age.
His brother Tom found success as a professional and Harry worked
hard throughout his teenage years to improve his game. That
hard work would pay off when Vardon turned professional in 1890.
His first major championship victory would not come until the
1896 British Open. The win was memorable, not only because it
was a major championship, but because of the attire Vardon chose
to wear. His knickers, tie and jacket would not only become
his signature outfit, but would inspire future generations of
golfers to don knickers on the golf course.
Vardon would go on to become the only six-time winner of the
British Open. He became an international celebrity during the
early 1900s when he took his skills to the United States. He
was victorious at the 1900 U.S. Open, and his appeal continued
to grow as he toured the country playing in a series of exhibition
matches.
The exhibition matches were a spectacle unlike anything the
public had ever seen. Vardon participated in nearly 80 matches,
often against the “best ball” of two opponents.
Remarkably, Vardon won more than 70 of the matches!
Vardon’s career achievements were and remain quite impressive,
but most notably he will be remembered for the smooth swing
he created, one which players still attempt to emulate.
Upon his induction, the World Golf Hall of Fame described his
swing, saying, “Vardon had a swing that repeated monotonously.
His swing was more upright and his ball flight higher than his
contemporaries, giving Vardon’s approach shots the advantage
of greater carry and softer landing. He took only the thinnest
of divots.”
Although he would be stricken with tuberculosis in 1903, he
managed to win the British Open in 1911 and again in 1914.
Vardon would continue to impact the game of golf after his retirement,
designing courses and authoring instructional books. His “The
Gist of Golf” is still widely read and avid golfers around
the world continue to heed his advice: “Don’t play
too much golf. Two rounds a day is plenty.” |
|
