James Edgar

Background

Edgar was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Career

Early He coached the young player Tommy Armour, who became a prominent professional after 1920. Armour later praised Edgar as having helped him the most. The legendary Harry Vardon stated that Edgar was on his way to becoming a player who could surpass everyone.

Edgar emigrated to the United States in April 1919, following World War I. He was the head professional at Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta.

Edgar played frequently with the young Bobby Jones at the Atlanta Athletic Club (the site of today"s East Lake Golf Club) from 1919–1921. He mentored and coached Jones during this period as well.

Jones developed into one of the dominant golfers of the 1920s. He lost the 1920 Professional Golf Association Championship, one of golf"s majors, in a match play final to Jock Hutchison.

During 1919-1920, Edgar was among the top players in the world.

Edgar wrote a golf book entitled The Gate to Golf, based on his discoveries made in England. Edgar had an ailing hip which he could not turn freely. Through experimentation, he found that a restricted hip turn still allowed a repeatable swing with excellent power and control.

This book proved to have significant impact on golf instruction, right up to the present time.

Death Edgar"s death was mysterious. He was found late at night on an Atlanta street, bleeding heavily from a deep wound in his leg, and died in the street before any trained help could arrive.

The case was turned over to police, but never solved. In an article published in Sports Illustrated in April 2010, writer Steve Eubanks wrote that Edgar was having an affair with a married Atlanta woman, and that this likely played a central role in Edgar"s death.

Professional Golf Association Tour wins (3) 1919 Canadian Open Other wins (1).

Achievements

• 1919 Canadian Open 1920 Canadian Open, Southern Open this list may be incomplete 1914 French Open.

Connections

Friend:

Alexa Stirling