Tommy Renouf was a Jersey - born professional golfer who came to England and established himself as a prominent player of his era. He had five top - 10 finishes in the Open Championship and could boast of a victory over the great Walter Hagen.
Born in Grouville, Jersey, Renouf grew up in the same village as the legendary Harry Vardon. By the age of 17, and barely speaking any English, he had turned professional and came to the North of England to make his mark on the game.
His first post was at the Roundhay club in Leeds, from where he went to Shipley. After only a short spell at Shipley he movedto Carlisle and Silloth in 1898, where he was to remain for 8 years, during which time he helped in the progressof one of golf's great lady golfers, Cecil Leitch. In 1901 the Professional Golfers Association was formed, and Renouf became a founder member. His ability was recognised with 6 England caps between 1903 and 1911, and a fine record of 7 wins in 10 matches against Scotland
In 1906 Tommy moved to the flourishing Manchester Golf Club, then located at Trafford Park. The Manchester Club, having started life at a course known as Manley Park, was again forced to move in 1912, this time to Hopwood Cottage north of Manchester, where it remains today. The club appointed the renowned Harry Colt to design what is generally recognised as the best course in Manchester, and Tommy Renouf played a major part in supervising its construction and on going maintenance. He also designed several courses in the north, including the layout at Alderley Edge, much of which remains in use today.
Renouf remained at Hopwood for many years, becoming a highly respected player, teacher and clubmaker. He reached the final of the News of the World tournament in 1923 having beaten the renowned Arthur Havers (pictured left) on his way to the final of this prestigous event. In 1924 he scored a remarkable 66 at Hopwood, notable by the fact that it was completed in a violent thunderstorm ! The very next day he completed the same score, the bogey for the course at that time was 78 which indicates the significance of this achievement.
Tommy's record in the Open was certainly impressive:
1898 | 7th | Prestwick | Harry Vardon |
1906 | 5th | St Andrews | James Braid |
1909 | 8th | Deal | J.H.Taylor |
1910 | 8th | St Andrews | James Braid |
1913 | 8th | Hoylake | J.H. Taylor |
In 1929, Tommy moved on to the Stockport Golf Club at Torkington where, just before his retirement in 1938 he played a 36 hole exhibition match against Henry Cotton.
Tommy Renouf died at Marple, Cheshire in July, 1955 at the age of 77.