On Saturday 3rd June club members came together to celebrate an event a century in the making. 100 years ago a young amateur golfer hailing from East Dulwich called Henry Cotton won the Club Championship and The Hutchings trophy, setting him on a remarkable golfing journey.
A year after his wins at Aquarius Henry Cotton turned professional and began a role as an Assistant Professional at Fulwell before moving to Rye Golf Club. He then moved to Langley Park and became the youngest ever Head Professional in the history of British golf at the age of 19.
Henry went on to become one of the greatest players of the twentieth century winning the The Open in 1934 at Royal St. Geroge’s by 5 strokes, 1937 at Carnoustie by 2 strokes and 1948 at Muirfield by 5 strokes.
Cotton was a playing member of three British Ryder Cup teams in 1929, 1937 and 1947. He was als a non-playing captain in 1953. The European Tour Rookie of the Year award is also now named after him.
Our thanks to the members that turned out to celebrate the centenary of Henry’s first win on the road to the Golfing Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Paul Atkinson, Pam Searle, Colin Dobson and Ronnie Knock who won the Texas Scramble competition. All winners and places generously donated their prizes to the captains charity. Pictures below.
And for those members interested in replicating Cotton’s journey, this year’s Club Championship is over the weekend of 9th - 10th September…
