About
George Strath was president of the Eastern Professional Golf Association in 1909 and instructed Genevieve Hecker, the U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion of 1901 and 1902, highlighting his influence beyond course architecture into golf instruction and promotion.
George Strath was a prominent Scottish professional golfer and golf course designer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Beginning his career as a caddie carrying clubs for Old Tom Morris at St Andrews, Strath became known for his expertise both as a player and club maker. He competed at the highest levels with a 14th place finish in the 1878 Open Championship. Strath was the first professional at Royal Troon Golf Club from 1881 to 1887 and was responsible for expanding the links to 18 holes, shaping its early layout.
He also served as a golf professional at clubs in England such as Southport Old Links and North Manchester and later emigrated to the U.S. in 1895, where he worked as a golf instructor and designer. In America, Strath contributed to the design of courses like the Crescent Athletic Club in Brooklyn and was a well-regarded instructor, mentoring championship players. His family included other notable golfers like his brother Andrew Strath, the 1865 Open Champion, and Davie Strath.
