James Braid 1870-1950
In 1896 he became attached to Romford Golf Club, Essex and soon became involved in course design. In 1903 he was invited to become professional at the new course at Walton Heath where he was to stay for the rest of his life. He joined in mid-1904 as the course opened.By this time he had completed his first masterpiece, the North Hants Golf Club at Fleet . In the same year he remodelled the 13th oldest golf club in the world, Scotscraig.
Walton Heath allowed him ninety days to be absent from the club, but not more than fourteen at a time unless in an important tournament. Braid used his ninety days wisely. Much of his work was remodelling courses which required toughening due to the new rubber cored ball. In addition many nine-hole courses were being extended to eighteen, and Braid was in increasing demand.
In 1923 Braid employed J R Stutt and Company of Paisley as course constructor at Hamilton Golf Club and this lead to a partnership until Braid’s death in 1950. Stutt was the first to organise and mobilise teams to work and construct round the British Isles.
A remarkable man who was responsible for some of the UK’s best-loved golfing layouts.
Life Span
1870-1950
Achievements
Won the Open 1901, 1905, 1906, 1908, 1910. Matchplay 1903, 1905, 1907, 1911. French Open 1910.
Design Characteristics
Holes should present a variety of: length, demands of the player, style of bunkering and method of approach. Putting greens should be well guarded. The size of the green to be governed by the length of the approach....the shorter the shot , the smaller the green. Alternative tees to be provided to enable play to be varied for prevailing or contrary winds, dry or wet weather. Alternative routes should be provided to each hole. There should be four short holes of differing lengths.
Courses Designed
Local Braid courses are Sherborne, Weymouth and Parkstone.
Career Highlights
During his career Braid designed or remodelled in excess of two hundred courses. Among his best designs are the Kings and Queens at Gleneagles,and Carnoustie Championship course. Braids last design was Stranraer in 1949.
Trivia
Remarkably Braid travelled entirely by train as he suffered from severe car sickness. While working on remodelling Parkstone in the mid 1930s he would be sick two or three times while travelling in a car the mile from the station to the club. Nevertheless he was able to travel by ship to Ireland where he was involved with Grange, Howth, Mullingar, and Rosapenna.
References
Related Sites
http://www.thebraidsociety.com/index.html
