Max Faulkner

Who was Max Faulkner?

Herbert Gustavus Max Faulkner, OBE was an English professional golfer who won The Open Championship in 1951 and was renowned for his colourful dress sense.

Faulkner was born in Bexhill-on-Sea, the son of a club professional who had once been assistant to James Braid. During World War II he served in the RAF as a Physical Training instructor. He hardly played any golf during this time, but took up boxing instead, becoming services champion.

Faulkner's tournament career began in 1946, shortly after the war. He won 16 regular tournaments in Europe, including three Spanish Opens, with his last being the 1968 Portuguese Open at the age of 52. He also won the PGA Seniors Championship on two occasions. His greatest achievement was his victory in the 1951 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. With a round still to be played he had a 6-stroke lead and is reported to have signed autographs with the postscript "1951 Open Champion". Helped by what he called a "mystery guiding light", he went on to finish with a score of 3 under par, two ahead of Antonio Cerdá, and said later "It was all I ever wanted. The Open meant everything to me."

Faulkner played in the Ryder Cup Matches on five occasions, including the historic 1957 contest at Lindrick when the Great Britain team won for the only time between 1933 and 1985.