Golf Links

Chay Burgess, Francis Ouimet and the Bringing of Golf to America, Revised Edition

This book tells the story of the Scottish golf professionals who came to America in 1888 and struggled to earn a living and the respect of the wealthy amateur golf establishment and the United States Golf Association who controlled the sport. Charles “Chay” Burgess—founder of the New England PGA, teacher of three American national champions, and the savior of the Ryder cup—learned the game on ancient seaside links and competed against British greats. His arrival in the U.S. dramatically influenced the growth of golf and the reconciliation of differences between amateurs and professionals. In 1913, the American Francis Ouimet—a working-class unknown under Burgess’ tutelage—won the U.S. Open against British celebrities Ted Ray and Harry Vardon. His triumph brought the game to mainstream America.