Number 13
The Canadian Tournament

This article on this very successful tournament was first published in Golf in October 1906, and is supplemented by photographs taken by A.W. Tillinghast himself.

As the first American to participate in a Canadian open golf tournament, I have stolen a march on my fellow golfers from the States, and having reveled in a week's delightful golf at Lambton, I cannot refrain from a selfish feeling of satisfaction. I am sufficiently unselfish, however, to suggest to American golfers that when the Lambton Club issues a second invitation next year, they should take the first train to Toronto and enjoy to the utmost, as I did, the heartiest of welcomes from big-hearted, keen sportsmen.

The Lambton links is situated at Lambton Mills, but a short distance from the City of Toronto. The course presents much variety, and is exceedingly interesting. Straight, hard play has its own reward and is necessary, but the approach to many greens, requiring the delicate pitch from the mashie, places this stroke at greatest premium.

The Clubhouse:Tillinghast on the tee

From the club house a scene of great beauty greets the eye—fine, rolling country, flanked by wooded hills and the tiny Humber river, threading its winding way across the links, guarding a green here and there, or presenting a hungry mouth to the sixth tee in the distance. One can easily follow a match through field glasses, from the elevated clubhouse porch, missing but a small part of the play.

Percy Barrett, the Lambton "pro," is zealous in his care of the course, and it reflects great credit on his ability. The fourth hole is, I think, the best of many good ones, 365 yards in length, but requiring great accuracy from the tee and a perfect pitch over the tortuous, winding water to the green just beyond. On paper the course looks like this:

Out—1, 340 yards; 2, 210 yards; 3, 365 yards; 4, 365 yards; 5, 445 yards; 6, 415 yards; 7, 190 yards; 8, 230 yards; 9, 240 yards; total, 2,800 yards.

In—10, 510 yards; 11, 390 yards; 12, 125 yards; 13, 310 yards; 14, 360 yards; 15, 570 yards; 16, 500 yards; 17, 215 yards; 18, 225 yards; total, 3,205 yards—6,005 yards total.

The famous 4th hole

Club life at Lambton is very delightful. I think that the Canadians are prone to make more of country club evenings than we. The red coat about the house in the evening is almost a necessity, and I confess that I rather like the custom; at any rate effect is very pleasing. A most delightful night we had after the tournament was closed, or I might say, after the play on the links was ended, for the formal distribution of prizes in the evening is quite a part of the tournament. The worthy president bestowed a few words of praise to each recipient of a prize, which was always acknowledged by a clever response of appreciation. Nothing that could add a mite to the pleasure of the occasion was omitted. Sincere, heartfelt praise was the victor's portion. The hour of departure, all too soon, hurried 'round, and all, with joined hands and voices, brought the Lambton tournament to a close with "Auld Lang Syne.

Percy Barrett putting on sixteenth green

George Lyon showing turn of wrist

Back to Vignettes by Tilly