Henry Cotton was a remarkable young amateur member of Aquarius Golf Club who went on to professional golfing greatness and the very top of the sport.

Sir Henry Cotton, his early years
by Roz McKenzie, Women’s Vice Captain 2023-24

Sir Henry Cotton was once described by Vanity Fair as being ‘something of a Beau Brummel on the links’ with his silk neckerchiefs and monogrammed shirts, according to English Heritage.

Known for his flamboyance on the course, Cotton would attend tournaments with his wife and fellow golfer, Isabel Estanguet ‘Toots’ Moss, in a hired Rolls Royce and a picnic from a Fortnum and Mason hamper.

While he may have had a taste for the high life as a professional golfer, Cotton had a more modest upbringing. He was born in Congleton, Cheshire in 1907 and later lived at 47 Crystal Palace Road, in East Dulwich (where there is a blue plaque dedicated to him). There, he used to practice his swing in the garden where his father had set up practice nets.

He won a scholarship to Alleyne’s School, attending between 1918 and 1923, where in his first year, teachers described him a ‘strong character, I have nothing but praise for him’ and a ‘very good boy, mentally and physically’.

In his second year, his blemish free record continued with the comment ‘splendid little fellow, works very hard.’ But towards the end of that year, he was showing signs of teenage rebellion: ‘Works well and has brains. His lapse I prefer to treat as his first offence.’

It is not known what the offence refers to, but in his final report (aged 16) Cotton is described as ‘rather volatile, but otherwise a good boy’ and ‘conduct good, ability very fair’.

A house master added a footnote to this report saying: ‘Not at all! Row with prefects. Remained in rebellion all the term.’

This is likely to be a reference to Cotton falling out with the prefects where he was banned from the cricket team by the headmaster.

He won the Hutchings (Aquarius club championship) that same year in June 1923, after joining the club with his brother Leslie at the age of 13.

Following his triumph, Cotton went on to become a golf pro, aged 19, at Langley Park Golf Club. Eleven years later he won his first British Open at Sandwich in 1934.

Earning the nickname ‘The Maestro’, Cotton remained committed to teaching golf throughout his life, and was one of the founders of the Golf Foundation – an organisation that is dedicated to growing participation levels, particularly in schools.

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A year after his wins at Aquarius in 1923 Henry Cotton turned professional and began a role as an Assistant Professional at Fulwell before moving to Rye Golf Club. He then moved to Langley Park and became the youngest ever Head Professional in the history of British golf at the age of 19.

Henry went on to become one of the greatest players of the twentieth century winning the The Open in 1934 at Royal St. Geroge’s by 5 strokes, 1937 at Carnoustie by 2 strokes and 1948 at Muirfield by 5 strokes.

Cotton was a playing member of three British Ryder Cup teams in 1929, 1937 and 1947. He was als a non-playing captain in 1953. The European Tour Rookie of the Year award is also now named after him.