Wheathampstead Magazine
Statue Unveiled in Gustard Wood...
When it comes to golf, competitions, cups and championships are important milestones in a player’s history, so when Horace Rawlins won the very first US Open Championship in Rhode Island in 1895 it really was special.
Horace had started his golfing career working as a caddie at The Royal Isle of Wight Golf club and moved on to Mid Herts Golf Club in Gustard Wood. He became the first groundsman and professional at the club at the tender age of 18, caring for the new 9-hole course for a salary of 17shillings per week (85p).
When he emigrated to the USA a few years later, he worked teaching golf and tending the greens for Newport Golf Club and then went on to be the surprise winner of the first US Open.
As part of its 125 Anniversary Celebrations, a statue of Horace Rawlins was commissioned by the club around one year ago. Financed by a generous bequest from past member Lawson Dunn, the statue, copied from an old photograph was sculpted by local Artist Ben Twisted-Davies, was erected near the Mid Herts Club House and unveiled by Michael Rawlins, grandson of Horace. Jamie Dunn, the son of Lawson Dunn, also looked on along with their respective families and many club members.