Tom Vardon

Who was Tom Vardon?

Tom Vardon The brother of golfing icon Harry Vardon, Tom was a fair player in his own right. From 1892 to 1909 he played in 18 Open Championships, finishing in the top-10 nine times. His best was a second place finish to brother Harry in 1903 at Prestwick, his other notable placings were 1897 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake - 8th, 1902 at Hoylake - 5th, 1904 at Royal St George's Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent - 4th, 1907 at Hoylake - 3rd. He continued playing professional golf for four decades and became the oldest competitor at the 1930 U.S. Open at Interlachen Country Club.

Vardon was born at Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands. He was a professional at a number of golf clubs including Ilkley Golf Club from 1893–1900 and Royal St George's Golf Club. In 1909 he was given four months leave from Royal St George's to act as professional at the Onwentsia Club, this was part of a deal that allowed Vardon to enter that year's U. S. Open held at Englewood Golf Club, New Jersey. He finished his career at White Bear Yacht Club in Minnesota, arriving in 1913 and remaining there until his death in 1938, although he retired on pension one year before his death.