Masters ‘pioneer’ Ball dies aged 103

Reuters/New York

Samuel Henry ‘Errie’ Ball, the last surviving player who competed in the inaugural Masters Tournament of 1934, died on Wednesday in Stuart, Florida at the age of 103.

Born in Bangor, Wales to one of Britain’s most esteemed golfing families, Ball went on to compete in 25 major championships and became the PGA of America’s oldest and longest-serving member.

As a club professional, he taught generations of players and he was inducted into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame in 2011.

“The PGA of America is saddened by the passing of Errie Ball, a professional in all aspects of life,” PGA of America president Ted Bishop said in a statement.

“Errie’s amazing career spans the legends of the game, from Harry Vardon through Tiger Woods. His longevity, according to those who knew him best, was founded upon a love of people. Each day, like each step he took on the course, was spent with purpose.

“We will miss him dearly, but his legacy continues to shine through the many PGA professionals he inspired to grow our game.”

Ball, whose father, William Henry Ball, spent 50 years as golf professional at Lancaster Golf Club, began playing the game at the age of 10 and turned professional at 17.

He first worked for his uncle, Frank Ball, who was head professional at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta. He earned his first head professional post at Mobile Country Club in Alabama after being recommended by amateur golfing great Bobby Jones.

Ball received an invitation from Jones to be part of the 72-player field in 1934 for the first Augusta National Invitation Tournament, which in 1939 became the Masters.

“I thought it (the Masters) was the greatest, the best place that I could be in golf,” Ball said while watching this year’s edition unfold on television from his living room. “Because it was associated with Bob Jones, I knew it would be a success.

“I loved playing golf with Bob because he had such a great golf swing and I wanted to copy it. I learned to be gracious from him. He seemed like he shook hands with everybody with a smile.”

Ball’s great uncle, John Ball, was the first amateur to win the British Open (in 1890) and also clinched eight British amateur championships.

Honeymoon over for India’s Open-bound Lahiri

A truncated honeymoon is the price Asian Tour order of merit leader Anirban Lahiri will have to pay to make his second appearance at The Open later this month.

The Indian world number 81 was honeymooning in Madagascar when he learnt about being among the 10 golfers who secured their place for the July 17-20 major at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake as the highest ranked non-exempt players.

“I am two days into my 10-day honeymoon. In the middle of a tropical rainforest in Madagascar and trying to get back to India now ASAP (as soon as possible),” the 28-year-old told the Asian Tour website.

“Total chaos. Will have to make it up to the wife big time. Super excited,” said Lahiri, a four-time winner in Asia.

“Just trying to figure out my movements so that I can get ready for The Open.”

The Bangalore golfer made a memorable debut at The Open in 2012 when he finished tied 31st at Royal Lytham and St Annes, sinking a magical hole-in-one during the third round.

Lahiri leads the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit after winning the Indonesian Masters and recording four other top-10 finishes, while also shining in Asia’s come-from-behind draw with Europe in the inaugural EurAsia Cup in March.