Harry Vardon: Golf
Henry William “Harry” Vardon (May 9, 1870 – March 20, 1937) - known as Harry - was one of the greatest players and most significant figures in the early history of golf. He won the British Open a record six times. Harry Vardon was the first-ever superstar of golf.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Harry Vardon won the first of his record six Open Championships, a record that continues to stand until this day. He shot to international stardom in 1900 when he toured the US and Canada, playing more than 80 matches and finished it off with a victory in the U.S. Open. He only lost two matches while he was on that tour against Boston professional Ben Nicholls.
Why Was He So Good?
Vardon was possessed with a gift and skills that he was believed to be a shot-making machine in the improvisational era of hickory and gutta percha. He became determined when he was in his early 20s, developing a demanding practice program. Because of his originality and uniqueness, he developed the “Vardon Grip”. He had a swing that was more upright and his ball flight high than his opponents, giving his shots the benefit of greater carry and softer landing.
What You May Not Know
- Harry Vardon didn’t play much golf during his youth but he showed natural talent for the sport as a young caddie.
- He moved from Grouville, Jersey to England to pursue his golf career in 1890, becoming a greenkeeper when he was 20 at the Ganton Golf Club in Yorkshire.
- Vardon is the only 6-time winner of the British Open.
- The Harry Vardon Trophy is given to the scoring leaders on both the U.S. and European PGA Tours.
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Related Pages
- Vardon Trophy — awarded to scoring average leader on the PGA tour for each year
- More legendary Golf players
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Golf
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