Background
Duncan was born in Methlick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on 16 September 1883.
Duncan was born in Methlick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on 16 September 1883.
He was first apprenticed as a carpenter and rejected a chance to become a professional football player at Aberdeen to become a golf professional. If he ever studied the line and shape of his shot, he had done it before he reached his ball, for there was no pause when he got to lieutenant
He was also a golf course designer. Duncan was well known for his fast pace of play. He would simply walk to his ball, drop his limbs into his stance immediately, and hit the ball.
As for practice swings, he regarded them as totally unnecessary and barely legal – close to practising on the course.
1920 Open Championship
His rounds were 80-80-71-72=303. 1922 Open Championship
The scene of his demise was a dip in the fairway in front of the 18th green from which he fluffed a chip shot to a position five yards short of the pin.
He eventually missed the crucial putt for a tie with Hagen, which led to the short position in front of the 18th being ironically named "Duncan"s Hollow."
Ryder Cup
He played for Great Britain in the Ryder Cup in 1927, 1929, and 1931. He was playing captain in 1929 when Great Britain was the victorious side.
Duncan died on 15 January 1964 in Leeds, England.
He is best remembered for winning the 1920 Open Championship.