JH Taylor, James Braid and Harry Vardon sat down together in 1901 and over a beer and a fag discussed how best to form the first association of professional golfers.
Back in those days, there was not too much money to be made out of the golf game and they just wanted to improve this situation.
While all those good players were trying to do was to help their colleagues earn a decent living to support their families, they also wanted more employment opportunities for their friends and raise the social standing of those who played or were employed at golf clubs around the country.
Club professionals back then received a small retainer from the club they were working for which was supplemented by playing with and coaching members, pro-shop profits and services like storage of clubs and shoes for members that involved regular cleaning.
My uncle’s first wage was 10…
