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James Bradbeer
Bradbeer in his workshop, c. 1920
Personal information
Full name Cuthbert James Hunt Bradbeer
Born 1880
Berrow, Somerset, England
Died 18 August 1937 (aged 56)
Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, England
Nationality  England
Career
Status Professional
Professional wins 3
Best results in Major Championships
The Masters Tournament DNP
U.S. Open DNP
The Open Championship T7: 1913
PGA Championship DNP

Cuthbert James Hunt Bradbeer (born in 1880, died in 1937) was an English professional golfer. He played golf in the early 1900s. His best result in a major golf tournament was finishing tied for seventh place. This happened at the 1913 Open Championship. He was also very skilled at making his own golf balls and golf clubs. Bradbeer played in the Open Championship many times. He played his last one in 1935 when he was 54 years old.

Early Life and Golf Beginnings

James Bradbeer, Sportsmen's Battalion
Bradbeer, 1915

James Bradbeer was born in Berrow, Somerset, England, in 1880. He was one of nine brothers. Many of his brothers also became professional golfers. For example, in the 1928 Open Championship, James and three of his younger brothers all qualified to play.

When he was young, Bradbeer learned how to make golf balls. He used a material called gutta-percha, which came from trees. He also trained to be a club maker. Around 1904, he designed a special golf ball. It had a "bramble" pattern and he called it "The Finch".

Bradbeer started his career as a golf professional around 1901. He worked at Finchley Golf Club in north London. He played in one of the first big tournaments for professionals in London. Later, around 1905, he became the professional at Porters Park Golf Club in Radlett, England. He stayed there for more than 30 years.

During World War I, Bradbeer joined the army. He was part of the "Sportsmen's Battalion". This was a special group where friends and colleagues could join and serve together. Bradbeer fought alongside other golfers he knew.

Bradbeer's Golf Career Highlights

Winning the Sphere and Tatler Foursomes

In 1911, Bradbeer teamed up with another golfer named Sandy Herd. They won the Sphere and Tatler Foursomes Tournament. They beat their opponents, Walter Hambleton and John Henry Taylor, by a lot. Bradbeer had also been a runner-up in similar tournaments in 1909 and 1910.

Playing in the 1913 Open Championship

Bradbeer had a great performance at the 1913 Open Championship. He finished tied for seventh place. This was his best finish in a major golf tournament.

Details of the 1913 Open Championship

The 1913 Open Championship took place from June 23–24. It was held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England. John Henry Taylor won the championship that year. He was eight strokes ahead of the second-place golfer, Ted Ray.

Before the main tournament, players had to qualify. Strong winds made playing very difficult on the second day of qualifying. However, Bradbeer managed to play well despite the winds. He had consistent scores throughout the tournament. His strong play helped him tie for seventh place with three other golfers. Each of them won £2 10s.

Consideration for the Ryder Cup

Bradbeer was chosen by the PGA committee. They considered him to play in the 1935 Ryder Cup and 1937 Ryder Cup matches. The Ryder Cup is a famous team golf competition between Europe and the United States.

Later Life and Passing

James Bradbeer passed away on August 18, 1937. He died at the War Memorial Hospital in Burnham-on-Sea, England. He had traveled there for a holiday. Even though he was getting older, he was still playing golf very well. Just a few months before he died, he won a local golf event called the Porters Park Bowl.

Tournament Wins

Bradbeer won three main tournaments during his career:

  • 1911 Sphere and Tatler Foursomes Tournament (with Sandy Herd)
  • 1926 Hertfordshire Open Championship
  • 1937 Porters Park Bowl

Team Appearances

  • Seniors vs Juniors (representing the Seniors team): 1928 (winners)
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