John Henry Taylor formed Britain's "Great Triumvirate" of golfers, along with Harry Vardon and James Braid. The trio dominated the British Open, with Taylor and Braid winning five times each and Vardon six times.
J.H. Taylor did not come from wealth, and his father died while he was just an infant. Taylor began working at a young age to help his family. One of his jobs was as a caddie at Westward Ho golf course near his home.
He gradually moved up the ranks at Westward Ho, joining the greenskeeping staff and learning about course layout and maintenance. He also honed his golf game during these years, and by age 19 was ready to turn pro.
John Henry "J.H." Taylor was best known for his fine British Open play, winning his
first Open in 1894 and went on to win it a further four times. His fine reputation
enabled his club making partnership with George Cann to become a very successful
one. He joined forces with George Cann whilst he was professional at Winchester to
start the club making business in 1894. Over the years the branded J.H.Taylor Autograph
Model clubs were very popular. Taylor's registered trademark was in use from 1895
- 1930.
Taylor was born in Devon and at the age of 11 started work as a caddy and
general labourer at the nearby Westward Ho GC, also known as the Royal North Devon
Golf Club. He later joined the green keeper's staff, a move which laid the foundation
for his skill as a course designer later in life. At 19, he turned professional and
worked at several clubs ( Burnham & Berrow 1890 - 1892, Royal Winchester 1892 - 1896,
Royal Wimbledon 1896 - 1899 ) eventually settling at Royal Mid Surrey until 1938.
Taylor played golf all his life and at the age of 55 contested the 1924 Open. One
of his greatest achievements was the formation of the PGA.
