The British Open: The 10 best players from each era
By Bill Felber
British Open: The pre-WWII era (1930-39)
Americans continued their domination of the British Open into the 1930s, winning in 1931 (Tommy Armour), 1932 (Gene Sarazen), and 1933 (Denny Shute).
In a decade in which Henry Cotton was really the only British player of note, Sarazen emerged as the decade’s best even though he only played in the minimum five events to qualify for consideration.
Top 10 Players Of The Pre-WWII Era.
1. Gene Sarazen, -1.58
2. Macdonald Smith, -1.56
3. Henry Cotton, -1.52
4. Alf Padgham, -1.15
5. Charles Whitcombe, -1.13
6. Percy Alliss, -1.05
7. Reg Whitcombe, -0.99
8. Arthur Lacey, -0.79
9. Bert Gadd, -0.70
10. Ernest Whitcombe, -0.53
Sarazen and Smith were both regular members of the American Ryder Cup team, which periodically made the ocean voyage and doubled up their Open and Ryder commitments.
The ocean trip was a real roadblock to many Americans, especially combined with relatively paltry payouts to the champion. Smith, possibly the best player without a major championship, finished second to Jones in 1930 and to Sarazen in 1932, fourth in 1934, and fifth in 1931.
Cotton, England’s best between the Triumverate and Tony Jacklin in the late 1960s, won three times, including in 1934 and 1937.
The latter was made memorable by a gale that swept across the course during the final round at Carnoustie, sending scores soaring. Cotton held off Reg Whitcombe by two strokes.