Joe Kirkwood Sr., Australian golfer (d. 1970)

Joseph Henry Kirkwood Sr., often simply known as Joe Kirkwood Sr., was an extraordinary figure in the annals of golf. Born in Sydney, Australia, on April 3, 1897, his remarkable career, spanning decades, is widely credited with establishing Australian golf on the international stage. His life was a testament to grit, skill, and an unwavering passion for the game, taking him from the vast Australian Outback to the most prestigious golf courses worldwide.

From Outback to Open Champion: Kirkwood's Early Life and Australian Triumphs

Kirkwood's journey into golf began quite uniquely. At the tender age of ten, he left the comforts of home to work on a sheep station deep within the Australian Outback. It was here, amidst the rugged landscape, that his boss first introduced him to golf, sparking a lifelong obsession. He honed his natural talent to such an extent that he soon became a dominant force in his home country's most significant golf tournaments. His breakthrough came spectacularly in 1920 when he clinched the Australian Open title with an astounding score of 290, a full twelve strokes better than the previous tournament record. This victory wasn't a fluke; later that same year, Kirkwood reaffirmed his prowess by winning the New Zealand Open, signaling his readiness for a larger stage.

Conquering Continents: The International Rise of Joe Kirkwood Sr.

Kirkwood's undeniable success in Australia and New Zealand propelled him across the globe. His ambition led him first to England and then to Europe, where, in his very first competition, he achieved a monumental feat by defeating the legendary Harry Vardon. This early triumph foreshadowed his impact on the international golfing landscape. In 1923, Joe Kirkwood Sr. made his debut on the professional tour in the United States, immediately making his mark by winning the Houston Invitational. This victory was historically significant, making him the first Australian to ever win on what would later become the PGA Tour, a milestone that cemented his place in golf history.

The year 1924 proved to be an exceptional one for Kirkwood. He established himself as one of the top-ranked golfers on the tour, securing five victories, an impressive three of which were consecutive wins. During this period, he also set a PGA Tour record that still stands today: the widest winning stroke margin, achieved at the 1924 Corpus Christi Open in Texas. This demonstration of sheer dominance speaks volumes about his skill. Beyond competitive play, Kirkwood partnered with golf icon Walter Hagen to embark on groundbreaking global golf and trick-shot exhibitions. These captivating performances, often captured in newsreels and shown in cinemas across the U.S., brought golf to a wider audience and showcased Kirkwood's showmanship.

Major Performances and Unforgettable Feats

While Joe Kirkwood Sr. had numerous tour victories, his performances in major championships also left an indelible mark. His best finish in a major was a third-place showing in the PGA Championship in 1930, where he reached the semifinals of the demanding match play competition. He also consistently performed well at the British Open, finishing fourth on three separate occasions, underscoring his consistency at the highest level. In 1933, he added the prestigious Canadian Open to his impressive list of titles.

Kirkwood was also known for his flair and willingness to push boundaries. In 1937, at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in India, he became the first golfer ever to tee off from the howdah atop a domesticated elephant, an iconic moment captured in photographs. He repeated this unique spectacle at other clubs in India and later in Africa, blending his golfing prowess with unforgettable cultural experiences.

A Lifetime in Golf: Records, Retirement, and Lasting Legacy

Throughout his illustrious career, Joe Kirkwood Sr. was a master of precision, accumulating an incredible twenty-nine holes-in-one, including a remarkable instance of scoring two in the same round. Even in his later years, his passion and skill for golf remained undiminished. He retired to the picturesque mountain resort community of Stowe, Vermont, in New England, where he continued to share his expertise as the local teaching professional at the Stowe Country Club. In his honor, the club has proudly hosted the Joe Kirkwood Memorial Golf Tournament annually since 1967.

A testament to his enduring talent, Kirkwood, at age fifty-one in 1948, achieved a truly unique milestone alongside his son, Joe Kirkwood Jr., when both father and son made the cut at the U.S. Open. This was the first time in history a father and son had accomplished this feat, a record that remained tied only in 2004. The Kirkwood golfing lineage continued to make history when Joe Kirkwood Jr. won the 1951 Blue Ribbon Open in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, making them the third father-son winning pair in PGA Tour history. By 2010, only seven such pairs had ever achieved this remarkable distinction.

Beyond his golfing career, Joe Kirkwood Jr. also pursued an acting career, notably portraying the fictional boxer Joe Palooka in a series of Hollywood films. One of Joe Kirkwood Sr.'s most astonishing personal feats occurred when he was 63 years old: he famously "broke his age" by playing a round of golf at a staggering 10-under-par 62, showcasing his incredible, lifelong command of the game.

Joseph Henry Kirkwood Sr. passed away at the age of 73 in 1970 in Burlington, Vermont, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy. His contributions to the sport were posthumously recognized with his election to the American Golf Hall of Fame at Foxburg, Pennsylvania. His life story, as told to Barbara Fey, was published posthumously in 1973 under the title "Links of Life," offering a deeper insight into this golf legend. Today, his memory lives on through the annual winner of the Australian PGA Championship, who proudly receives the Kirkwood Cup. He is laid to rest in the West Branch Cemetery in Stowe, a fitting final resting place for a man who profoundly shaped the world of golf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph Henry Kirkwood Sr.

Who was Joseph Henry Kirkwood Sr.?

Joseph Henry Kirkwood Sr. (1897-1970) was a pioneering Australian professional golfer widely credited with putting Australian golf on the world map. He was a dominant player in the early 20th century, known for his skill, showmanship, and numerous record-setting achievements.

When did Joe Kirkwood Sr. debut professionally?

After significant early successes in Australia and New Zealand, Joe Kirkwood Sr. began playing on the professional tour in the United States in 1923.

What were some of Joe Kirkwood Sr.'s major achievements?

Kirkwood won the 1920 Australian Open and New Zealand Open. He was the first Australian to win on what became the PGA Tour (1923 Houston Invitational). He also won the 1933 Canadian Open, achieved a third-place finish at the 1930 PGA Championship, and finished fourth at the British Open three times. He holds the PGA Tour record for the widest winning stroke margin.

What records did Joe Kirkwood Sr. hold with his son?

In 1948, Joe Kirkwood Sr. and his son, Joe Kirkwood Jr., became the first father and son to both make the cut at the U.S. Open. Later, when Joe Kirkwood Jr. won the 1951 Blue Ribbon Open, they became the third father-son winning pair in PGA Tour history.

What unique feats is Joe Kirkwood Sr. remembered for?

He famously became the first golfer to tee off from the howdah atop a domesticated elephant in 1937 in Calcutta. He also "broke his age" at 63 years old by shooting a 10-under-par 62.

What is the Kirkwood Cup?

The Kirkwood Cup is an annual award presented to the winner of the Australian PGA Championship, named in honor of Joe Kirkwood Sr. to commemorate his significant contributions to Australian golf.