New-York tribune., 1919-01-26
Strath' 5 Death
Removes Oldest
Of Pro- Golfers
Famous Scotchman Had
Unique Career on Links
in This Country

Peer of all the professional golfers
who have ever come to this country
since the ancient. and royal game Of
golf was introduced into the United
States was the late George Stgath. who
was the professional of the Crescent
Athletic Club for the last sixteen
years and was still holding that posi-
tion when he passed away Tuesday
evening of heart trouble
George Strath, who was born al 81.
Andrews, Fifeshire, Scotland. October
J. is43, was widely known and highly
respected in the Old Country as well AS
IN tins country. He comes of grand
old goling family His two elder
brothers were both in the champion
ship class. Andrew won the famous
Challenge Belt in 1868, with the lowest
score that was ever made in competi-
ton for thar much coveted prize. whMe
David Strath was the winner of ,Y.
Glasgow Golf Club tournment. open to
the world, March % 1873. David
played two matches with young Tom
Morris for 500, one being won by each.
In st. Andrews, where David com
menced his golfng career and where ne
WAS the victor of many hard fought
contests, he was very highly respected.
lie was in charge of the North Bor-
wick links when he died. January 9.
1850, IN his twenty ninth year, while
Andrew, who died some years before,
was thlrty-two years of age.
Made Reputation Early
George Strath. although always an
excellent golfer. never aspired for
championship honors He was really
a business man. devoting his energies
to greens keeping and instructing. hav-
ing no superiors in either OF these
fields. Consequently he lived an IN
dependent life.
Strath made his reputation many
years ago as the professional of the
Glasgow Golf Club, whcre he received
great praise Tor the magnificent con
dltion in which he kept his course. and
especially his putting greens He also
gained great reputation as an able
instructor. and when he came over to
this country was in great demand.
In fact, the only reason Strath came
TO America was the III health of his
wife, for whom a change of climate
was advised Strath was d natural
course architect, and had laid out many
courses on the other side When he
arrived IN TINS country IN 1893, after
spending a few weeks with II. B. Hol-
Inns, at Westbrook, he was engaged TO
lay out the Dyker Meadow Golf Club
course. He then laid out the Marine
and Field Club course in the carly
spring of 1896, and in June OF that year
laid out the Crescent Athletic Club
course.
Remained Only One Year
He only remained one year with the
Ilx.l-
to Shelter Island in 1897. When the
summer season was over he went to
the Wee Burn Golf Club, Of Noroton.
Conn. where he remained for four
years, until the close of 1901 Whilc
at Wee Burn his instruction developed
such noted champions as Charles II.
Seely, three times winner Of the cham
pionshp of Connecticut. in 1901. 1902
and 1903, and twice the winner Of the
metropolitan championship. IN 1905 and
1908; and Miss Gcnevieve Hccker. ma
tional champion in 1901 and 1902. and
Metropolitan champion four times, in
1900 and 1901, and as Mrs. Charles T.
Stout, in 1905 and 1905. These two
were his most famous pupSs. although
he developed many fine golfers VINO
cared nothing whatever about gain
ing great prominence in touraa-
ment play. Strath spent one year with
the Hllandae Golf Club of Stamford,
Conn, after leaving the Wee Burn
Club and before accepting his engage
ment with the Crescent Athletic Club,
-, 1QNo