Bobby Locke

Four-time British Open champion Bobby Locke began his golfing career as a successful amateur in his native South Africa.  After turning professional at the age of 20 in 1938, Locke came bursting on the scene with first-year wins in the South Africa and Irish Opens and a top-10 finish in the British Open.  Locke put his golfing career on hold, however, with the onset of World War II, at which time he served with distinction as a Royal Air Force Bomber pilot.

After the war, Locke traveled to the Unites States for the first time to compete.  In just 59 tournaments, Locke claimed 11 victories, finished runner-up 10 times and came in third eight times.  In 1947, after finishing third in the Masters, he won six of the next 12 events.  Just two years later, he claimed the first of his four Open Championships.  Regarded as one of the game’s all-time greatest putters, Locke dominated across the globe, including nine South African titles, Canadian, New Zealand, and French Open victories, and three Vardon Trophies.