Old Photographs Henry Cotton Golfer Old Golf Course St Andrews Scotland

Old photograph of golfer Henry Cotton on the old golf course in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Sir Thomas Henry Cotton, born 26 January 1907, died 22 December 1987, was an English professional golfer known for winning three Open Championships. Cotton was born in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, England. A prestigious cricketer, while attending Alleyn's School in Dulwich, South London, he and the other non prefects were ordered by the six prefects in the school team to transport their cricket clothing back to the school on public transport. After returning to the school, he wrote a letter to the headmaster explaining that he was not amused. The headmaster ordered that he be caned in punishment, but Cotton refused. Resultantly banned from the cricket team, Cotton and his brother took up their second sport golf at the Aquarius Golf Club in Honor Oak from 1920. In 1923 Cotton won the Hutchings Trophy, the club championship. The brothers left in 1924 to become professionals. Cotton started his career as a professional golfer at the age of 17 when he joined his younger brother Leslie as assistant teaching professional at Fulwell Golf Club. He achieved fame during the 1930s and 1940s, with three victories in The Open Championship; 1934, 1937, and 1948.

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