Profession: Golfer

Biography: Tommy Armour was a Scottish golfer known for winning three major championships. After his service during World War I, where he was severely injured, Armour turned to professional golf for rehabilitation. He won the U.S. Open (1927), PGA Championship (1930), and Open Championship (1931).

Armour retired from full-time professional golf in 1935 and contributed to golf as an instructor and author. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1976 and had a line of golf equipment marketed in his name.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Armour attended Boroughmuir High School and the University of Edinburgh. He honed his golf at Lothianburn Golf Club before enlisting with the Black Watch during World War I. Injured by a mustard gas explosion, he lost sight and required metal plates in his head and arm.

Golf became part of his physical rehabilitation upon regaining sight in one eye. After winning the French Amateur (1920), he moved to the United States and met Walter Hagen, who offered him a job in New York, leading to a successful golf career.

Armour turned professional in 1924 and scored multiple PGA Tour wins, totaling 25, and was known for three major championships among his victories. Notably, he was one of three UK natives to win three different professional majors and thrice won the Canadian Open.

His teaching career included high-profile students and yielded a significant book, How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time (1953), with Herb Graffis, and a series of instructional films. Armour also played in exhibitions to support the USO and the Red Cross during World War II.

Outside of golf, Armour achieved American citizenship in November 1942. His legacy continued with his grandson, Tommy Armour III, who won twice on the PGA Tour.

Born: September 24, 1894
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Libra

Died: September 11, 1968 (aged 73)

Playing Career

  • 1927-06-17 US Open Men's Golf, Oakmont CC: American-based Scotsman Tommy Armour defeats Harry Cooper by 3 strokes in an 18-hole playoff to win the first of his 3 major titles
  • 1930-09-13 PGA Championship Men's Golf, Fresh Meadow CC: American based Scotsman Tommy Armour defeats Gene Sarazen 1-up in the final for the second of his 3 major titles
  • 1930-12-07 PGA Championship Men's Golf, Fresh Meadows CC: American based Scotsman Tommy Armour defeats Gene Sarazen 1 up in the final for the 2nd of his 3 major titles
  • 1931-06-05 British Open Men's Golf, Carnoustie: American based Scotsman Tommy Armour outlasts José Jurado of Argentina by 1 stroke to win his only Open title and his 3rd and final major championship
  • 1935-10-22 PGA Championship Men's Golf, Twin Hills CC: Johnny Revolta wins his only major title, defeating Tommy Armour, 5 & 4

References


Famous Golfers

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