JH Taylor

John Henry Taylor: A golf legend who shaped the modern game

York Golf Club was designed by John Henry ‘JH’ Taylor, one of England’s greatest golfers and a true pioneer of the modern game.

Not only was he one of the best players of his time, but he also helped shape the sport as a golf course designer. Fresh from his third Open Championship triumph, he was invited to design our course here at Strensall in 1903.

Alongside Harry Vardon and James Braid, Taylor (19 March 1871 – 10 February 1963) was part of the legendary “Great Triumvirate” who dominated golf in their era. Taylor himself won five Open Championships, a huge achievement that put him among the all-time greats.

Born into a working-class family and orphaned as a boy, his story is one of humble beginnings. At just 11 years old, Taylor started working as a caddie and helper at Royal North Devon Golf Club. One of his early jobs was carrying the clubs of Horace Hutchinson, a well-known golfer.

Taylor turned professional aged 19 and went on to work at several clubs, including Burnham & Berrow, Royal Winchester and Royal Wimbledon, where he stayed until retiring in 1946.

In 1901, Taylor co-founded the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and became its first chairman, making history as it was the first organisation of its kind anywhere in the world.

Taylor’s career highlights

He competed in the Open Championship from the age of 22 until 55, winning it five times and tied in 11th in 1926.

JH Taylor’s Open Championship success:

1894 – Royal St George’s

1895 – St Andrews

1900 – St Andrews

1909 – Royal Cinque Ports

1913 – Royal Liverpool

He captained the victorious 1933 Great Britain Ryder Cup team without ever having played in a Ryder Cup match himself.

Beyond playing, Taylor left a lasting mark on the game through golf course design, working on many courses across England, including Hindhead (1904), Andover (1907), Frilford Heath’s Red Course (1908), Hainault (1909 & 1923) and Heaton Park in Manchester (1912). He was made an honorary member of the R&A in 1949, and was named president of Royal Birkdale Golf Club in 1957, a course he had designed.