JOHN R. INGLIS
Before the turn of the century, at the old Apawamis nine-hole links in Rye, N.Y., a member stuck a golf club in his caddie's hand and told him to hang on to it. For the last 60 years, with lasting and heart-warming success, John Inglis has done just that.
This week J.R. celebrates his 50th year as head professional at the Fair-view Country Club in Elmsford, N.Y. (and his 31st as president of the Metropolitan PGA). On hand to celebrate with him by playing in an invitational tournament will be some of J.R.'s talented pupils, a roster that includes former Open Champions Tony Manero and Johnny Farrell and five of the seven Turnesa brothers. The Turnesas, a local family, learned their golf from J.R. as caddie, caddie master and assistant pro. Brother Willie, the only amateur, has won the U.S. and British amateur championships. Brother Jim was the PGA champion in 1952. Father Turnesa served for 35 years as head greenkeeper.
J.R. delights in teaching. He is pleased that he has developed great professionals and proud that more than 8,000 men and women started golf under his wing, including several generations of youngsters who each week follow the old master down the fairways while he expounds to them the fundamentals and niceties of the game he has loved for six decades.
PHOTO
HANS KNOPF