Canadian Golf History – Golf Historical Society

It is a wonderful honour for me to have my short story of legendary English golf professional Willie Lock published in the British Golf Collectors Society‘s June edition of Through The Green! And for those who are still patently unaware, his name was LOCK.

While researching English golf course architect William Herbert Fowler’s work in California in the 1920’s for Derek Markham’s A Matter of Course, Willie’s name kept coming up, forcing me to investigate a lost legend in English, Canadian, and Californian golf history. Willie had caddied for Fowler at Royal Devon before starting work as an apprentice under club making legend Charles Gibson.

From Royal Devon to Ganton, to Rosedale in Toronto, Riverside (CA), Los Angeles and San Francisco, Willie Lock was instrumental in raising the art of golf professional to a new level. Lock was a master club maker, having made Ted Ray’s famous driver when he was at Ganton. One of Willie’s most famous golf courses – San Francisco Golf & Country Club – is credited to Albert Tillinghast. According to his peers and golf writers of the day, Tillinghast blessed Lock’s plans when he visited the site when the course was already two years into construction.

Willie Lock was also credited with initiating the shift of golf tournaments to Red Cross benefits during World War I, as well as serving as President of the Northern California Professional Golfers Association.

The 1932 United States amateur golf champion, and Canadian legend, Charles Ross “Sandy” Somerville, became the first golfer to score a hole-in-one at Augusta National golf club, which he did during the second day of the first masters invitation tournament on the 145-yard, par 3, seventh hole (now the 16th, after the nines were reversed).

Augusta National Golf Club hole No. 7 circa 1934.

“Somerville used a niblick. The ball hit in front and bounced into the cup.” (A niblick is like the modern 9 iron, or wedge) – NYT March 24, 1934

Somerville, who was a six-time Canadian amateur champion from London, Ontario, was not otherwise having a stellar day, as his front nine 39 became a 78 by the end of it.

Robert T. ‘Bob’ Jones and C. Ross ‘Sandy’ Somerville at Augusta National G.C.

Earlier in the week, “Sandy” was paired with Bobby Jones in the two ball foursomes. The duo scored 76 and were not in contention. The 1934 “masters” was the first, and was Jones’ return to competition since he had retired after winning 3 1/2 legs of the so-called “grand slam” in 1930.

More on “Silent Sandy” at London Ontario golf.