B47: Historic Non-BriskerGolfer: Bobby Locke

The wonderfully idiosyncratic and charismatic Bobby Locke, was his own man. He had nerves of steel, as exemplified by his war record as a pilot in World War Two, where he reputedly flew more than 100 missions over Europe for the South African Air Force, and in addition ‘served with distinction as a Royal Air Force Bomber Pilot’.

In peacetime, he raided the USA for a period of just two and a half years on the PGA tour, from 1947. Playing in 59 tournaments, he finished in the top three 30 times, including 11 wins.

His rampant success was unwelcome in US Pro Golf circles, and the USPGA contrived to ban him from playing in 1949. Although this ban was lifted in 1951 he never returned to the USA.

Bobby played in Europe with immense success, winning four British Open Championships in an eight year period from 1949 to 1957, in a style that has never been replicated. Generally he would celebrate after a round by singing and playing his ukulele!

The author believes Bobby to be the world’s greatest golfer, who played effortless, magical golf like no other person on the planet. He was constantly shaping his shots, mostly with a cunning draw. His unique putting style allowed the ball to glide over greens, with devastating effect.

A young Gary Player tried to imitate Bobby’s putting, with some success.

Unfortunately Bobby played golf ‘at a slow and deliberate pace’. Typically, he coined the everlasting phrase ‘You drive for show, but putt for dough’.

Perhaps if Bobby was playing today he would get the hang of BriskerGolf ?