Born in Earlsferry, Scotland,
Braid is remembered as one of golf's original and great champions, course
designers and modernisers.
Braid grew up in Fife - the birthplace of golf. Although his parents had no
enthusiasm for the game, his cousins were top golfers. His earliest
recollection of golf was playing with a child's club at around the age of 4.
Originally trained as a carpenter and joiner, Braid learned to play a
forceful style of golf at Elie links. Given his modest means, he
reconditioned old clubs for his own use. After all, this was the era of the
hickory shafted club and guttie balls.
In 1893, he was offered the position of club-maker at the Army and Navy in
London which he was delighted to accept. After some success as an amateur he
turned professional in 1896 and worked as club professional at Romford,
Essex. He later moved to Walton Heath, Surrey and stayed with the club until
his death. JH Taylor described him as "sincere, trustworthy and loyal".
Although Braid's long and short game were excellent, his putting sometimes
left him down. That was largely corrected when he replaced his wooden putter
with a metal headed one. Braid's spectacular success came at the turn of the
century. In 1901 he won his first Open. Within 10 years he became the first
man to win the event five times. He was runner up three times. Throughout
his career, Braid remained modest and always demonstrated restraint whatever
the circumstances.
Besides his success as a golfer, Braid was an excellent course designer. He
used his farming background to ensure that courses were well laid out and
well drained. As a founder member of the P.G.A and later it's president, he
was instrumental in laying the foundation of today's professional game. In
recognition of his contribution to golf, the R&A honoured him with
membership. Had he played in the modern era, he would be a M.B.E. however
Britain was a different place back then.
Braid was a great pioneer of golf and will be remembered with great respect
and admiration |
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