born May 9, 1870, Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands
died March 20, 1937, Totteridge, Hertfordshire, Eng.
British golfer.
While working as a manservant for an affluent amateur golfer on the island of Jersey, Vardon learned golf, and he turned professional at age 20. A technical innovator, he won the British Open six times (1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, and 1914) and the U.S. Open once (1900). The Vardon Trophy is awarded annually by the Professional Golfers' Association of America to the professional with the best scoring average.