Ted Ray

Edward Rivers John Ray (6 April 1877 – 26 August 1943) was a British professional golfer, one of the leading players of the first quarter of the 20th century. He won two major championships, the Open Championship in 1912 and the U.S. Open in 1920, and contended in many others. He was captain of the British team in the inaugural Ryder Cup, in 1927. Early life Ray was born at Marais, Grouville, Jersey on 6 April 1877, the son of Stephen Ray, the captain of an oyster trawler, and his wife, Mary Ann Arm. He learnt his golf on the Grouville Links, one of large number of local boys who later became professional golfers which included Harry Vardon, his brother Tom, the Gaudin brothers, the Boomer brothers and the Renouf brothers. Ray was a tall, well-built man who was known for his prodigious power, although his shots often landed in awful positions. In addition to his prowess on the golf course, he was also useful at billiards and lawn bowls. Golf career Ray turned professional in 1894 at the age of 17, initially working as a club-maker before becoming a professional near St Malo. He played in the 1899 Open Championship finished in a tie for 16th place. Later in 1899 he took a position as a club professional at Churston Golf Club, Churston, Devon. During his time at Churston, he was encouraged by the club's committee to enter The Open Championships from 1900 to 1902, and was granted a week's leave of absence and five pounds for expenses each year. After leaving Churston, in early 1903, he became the head professional at Ganton Golf Club, replacing Harry Vardon who had left to join the South Herts Golf Club. In 1912 he took the position of golf professional at Oxhey Golf Club near Watford in Hertfordshire. Ray favoured an attacking style, and had to develop phenomenal recovery skills. Cartoonists usually depicted him with a niblick in hand, festooned with clumps of heather and saplings, with an inseparable pipe clamped between his teeth. Ray was admired by fans for his daring play, friendly, genial manner and optimistic spirit.