Brabazon Trophy

Lord Brabazon of Tara

JTC Moore-Brabazon, pioneer motorist and aviator, first

war hero, Member of Parliament, government minister and eventually the 1st Lord Brabazon of Tara, caught the golf bug in his late 20s shortly before the 1914 war. His airborne exploits – he was famously the holder of Pilot Licence No 1 – were somewhat alarming to his wife who encouraged him to take up a less dangerous activity. Thus Moore-Brabazon became a golfer. He showed sufficient talent to become a scratch player

and played regularly at Sandwich with the leading amateur golfers of the day. He entered championships and later became prominent in the administration of the game. In 1938 he was President of the English Golf Union and in 1952 Captain of the Royal & Ancient. In 1938 there was a measure of concern within the EGU

over the lack of competitive stroke play opportunities for English amateur golfers. Many of the stroke play competitions that were played were for restricted fields and, in contrast to the United States where opportunities for American players were considerable, leading English players were deprived of competitive stroke play experience in this country. The Close Championship was match play throughout

and the introduction of stroke play qualifying rounds was suggested as a solution to the perceived gap in the fixture list. This idea was rejected. After much deliberation it was decided to address the issue by adding a 72 hole stroke-play Championship to the season’s events. It was to be played over 3 days: one round a day on the first two and 36 holes on the third. The field was restricted to English players. Moore-Brabazon, as President, offered to donate a trophy

and Royal Liverpool was invited to host the inaugural event in October 1939. Sadly, war intervened and the planned launch of this new important competition could not take place. In February 1946 the event was back on the agenda but for

some reason it didn’t take place until October the following year. Royal Liverpool was again invited to host it but had to refuse due to holding the Open and the Boys Championship that year. As a result the Brabazon Trophy was played for the

returns to Hoylake

By Anthony Shone

1st time in 1947 at Birkdale. The event quickly became established and was to become

the ‘English Amateur Stroke-play Championship for the Brabazon Trophy’ and open to all nationalities. In the early years Ronnie White won twice when entering from Royal Liverpool and Michael Pearson was runner-up in successive years in the 1950s. The Championship has been played at Hoylake four times,

first in 1961 when the Scottish golfer Ronnie Shade was the winner. A number of Royal Liverpool players performed well that year. Ronnie White, who even in his prime had rationed his championship appearances, came out of retirement and was in contention with one round to play. Sadly a final 80 left him in 5th place. Michael Pearson and Roger Robinson both played well finishing tied 14th with totals of 303. Shade’s winning score of 284 was largely thanks to a

record breaking 3rd round of 67. In 4th place that year was Brian Chapman who, although

entered from his original home club, had become a Royal Liverpool member and regular Hoylake player. The championship returned in 1972 when the winner,

with a score of 296, was Peter Moody; in 1977 when Sandy Lyle, the future Open Champion was victorious with a score of 293; and in 1989 when Craig Rivett and Neil Roderick tied with 293. On this last occasion Graham Brown carried the flag for the Royal Liverpool qualifying for the last day and finishing 12 shots behind the joint winners. Added prominence is now given to the event through

it being known to the players that International Selectors are present taking note of individuals’ performances. This year the make up of the 2011 Walker Cup team will be particularly in mind. For the others of us who watch what is now a 4 day

event – will we spot an embryo Major winner following in the footsteps of Sandy Lyle? Or indeed the Walker Cup and Ryder Cup players of the future? For the field at Hoylake for the 2010 Brabazon Trophy will without doubt include many who will become high achievers in the game.

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