Tales From The Bunker

I know I promised to reveal what is in my opinion is the greatest golf instruction book of all time (#3 Golf My Way, #2 Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf) but it will have to wait. On Nov 14^th Errie Ball turned 100 years old!

For those of you who are not from the Chicago area the name may be slightly familiar. He is the last living person to play in the first Masters held in 1934. He also played in the 1957 Masters. The 23 years between appearances still is a tournament record.

The son of a golf professional, Bobby Jones (The Bobby Jones) convinced him to come to America and work at a country club in Atlanta. Ball established his credentials with Jones by winning local events and Bobby even asked him to play some exhibitions with him.

Sam Snead and Gary Player said Errie has the best swing they had ever seen. He simply had copied Jones’ swing. The putter was always his nemesis. He played rounds with Jones, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and everyone in between.

He eventually migrated up to Chicago where he worked at Oak Park Country Club and Butler National. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times at Oak Park County Club. Butler National does not let mere mortal men (like me) onto its grounds.

Errie’s perspective on the greatest players:

Best Driver – Sam Snead

Best Iron player – Tommy Armour

Best Putter – Bobby Locke

Best showman – Walter Hagen

Best Competitor– Ben Hogan

Best Player – Tiger Woods 

I would like to congratulate Errie on his 100^th birthday.

 ©2010 Chicago District Golfer

As always do not forget to check out our TheEscapePlace stores on eBay, Amazon and Bonanza.
They will help your golf game and more!

Remember to keep  ‘em in the fairway.

Tags: Blogging // Add Comment »