James Braid (golfer)

James Braid (6 February 1870 – 27 November 1950) was a Scottish professional golfer and a member of the "Great Triumvirate" along with Harry Vardon and J.H. Taylor. He won The Open Championship five times (1901, 1905, 1906, 1908, and 1910).

Born in Earlsferry, Fife, Scotland, Braid originally worked as a joiner. He took up golf relatively late, but quickly excelled, becoming a professional in 1896. He initially played with a gutta-percha ball and used a hickory shafted club. He later switched to using the Haskell rubber-cored ball, which greatly improved his distance, and steel-shafted clubs, although not without some initial skepticism.

Braid was renowned for his accuracy and consistency off the tee, as well as his strong putting. He was also a significant figure in golf course design, contributing to the design or redesign of many notable courses, including Carnoustie, Gleneagles (King's and Queen's Courses), and Dalmahoy. His design philosophy emphasized natural features and strategic challenges.

After his playing career, Braid served as the professional at Romford Golf Club in Essex for over 45 years, from 1904 until his death in 1950. He was a highly respected teacher and mentor, contributing significantly to the development of the game and its players. His influence on golf course architecture and the overall evolution of the sport is still felt today.