Francis Ouimet was a pioneer of the American golf scene, a lifelong amateur whose unlikely victory in the 1913 U.S. Open is widely credited with growing the game of golf in the United States. Ouimet remained deeply involved in amateur golf for the rest of his life, as a successful player and then as an organizer and advocate. But how did he die and what was his legacy?
The Life and Career of Francis Ouimet
Francis DeSales Ouimet was born on May 8, 1893, in Brookline, Massachusetts, to a French-Canadian father and an Irish mother. He grew up in a modest house across from the 17th hole of The Country Club, where he started caddying at the age of 11. He taught himself to play golf using clubs from his brother and balls he found around the course. He soon caught the eye of many country club members and became the best high school golfer in the state.
Ouimet won his first significant title at age 20, the Massachusetts Amateur, an event he won five more times. He also participated in the U.S. Amateur, losing in the quarterfinals to Jerome Travers in 1913. Later that year, he was invited to play in the U.S. Open, which had been postponed to allow for the participation of British golfers Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, both legends of the game.
Ouimet stunned the golf world by defeating Vardon and Ray in an 18-hole playoff at The Country Club, becoming the first amateur to win the U.S. Open and the youngest champion until Bobby Jones in 1923. His victory was hailed as a triumph for American golf and inspired thousands of young people to take up the game.
Ouimet continued to play as an amateur for the rest of his career, winning two more major championships: the U.S. Amateur in 1914 and 1931, and becoming the first non-Briton elected captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 1951. He also represented the United States in eight Walker Cup matches, serving as captain six times.
Ouimet balanced his golf career with his business pursuits, working as a banker, a stockbroker, and a customer’s financial advisor at Brown Brothers Harriman. He also served as a vice president of the USGA and helped establish several charitable foundations for golf education and promotion.
The Death and Legacy of Francis Ouimet
Francis Ouimet died in Newton, Massachusetts on September 2, 1967, at age 74. The cause of his death is not mentioned by any reliable source, but it is likely that he died of natural causes related to old age.
Ouimet’s legacy lives on as one of the most influential figures in American golf history. He is widely regarded as the father of amateur golf in the United States, as his U.S. Open victory sparked a surge of interest and participation in the game among people from all walks of life. He is also remembered for his sportsmanship, integrity, and generosity, as he devoted much of his time and money to support various golf causes.
Ouimet was honored with many awards and recognitions for his achievements and contributions to golf. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, received the Bob Jones Award in 19552, and had a biographical film made about him called The Greatest Game Ever Played in 2005. He also has several golf courses, tournaments, trophies, scholarships, and streets named after him.
Francis Ouimet’s story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in a sport and a society with passion, talent, and dedication. He is a true legend of golf and a role model for generations of golfers to come.
