Dewsbury District’s Rick Towler is appealing for help tracking down information on one of the club and country’s golfing greats.
Vice captain Rick is writing a book on George Sargent, with a chapter dedicated to his time as professional at Dewsbury from 1902 to 1906 before emigrating to Canada.
Sargent went on to have a highly successful golfing career, including winning the US Open in 1909 and the Canadian Open in 1912. He was involved in the Ryder Cup, and was President of the USPGA, amongst a host of other accomplishments.
Rick said: “I have collected a fair amount of information on his time at Dewsbury from our old minute books.
“However, one thing as yet I have not been able to establish is where he lived when he worked at the golf club.
“There is no mention of it in the old minute books, so this leads me to believe he would have had to sort out his own accommodation in the area, probably as a lodger.
“He was only in his early 20s and earning around £54 a year, so my thoughts would be he lived as a lodger, perhaps in Dewsbury, Ravensthorpe, Mirfield or areas not too far from the course.
“Perhaps someone alive can remember their grandfather or grandmother, or other family relatives, talking about having a young golfing lodger way back then.
“It’s a long shot I know, but if I can find out where he actually lived, it would really add to the Dewsbury chapter in the book.”
Sargent’s golfing career started at Epsom as a caddie when he was 12, before he took up an apprenticeship as a club maker at the golf club.
His potential as a player was recognised by one of the great golfers of that era, Harry Vardon. Sargent moved from Epsom up to Ganton to be coached and instructed by Vardon.
In 1902 when Dewsbury needed a new pro, the committee contacted Vardon for advice and, after an interview at Dewsbury, George was offered the position of professional/green keeper/ caddie master.
Anyone with any information can contact Rick at Dewsbury District Golf Club on 01924 492399.
