Golf: The Links that Bind
Both Golf and Freemasonry are social activities requiring good companionship and a sense of fair play.
It is hardly surprising there that there have been many famous Golfing Freemasons, past and present.
There is a long-standing connection between golf and Freemasonry. One of the main differences between golf and Freemasonry is that golf is an outdoor activity whereas Freemasonry is an indoor activity making the two natural conjuncts.
However, there are some connections.
- One of the connections between golf and Freemasonry is the use of symbolism. Golf courses often feature cross-like designs that symbolize the Freemason’s journey to enlightenment. The four points of the cross reference the four cardinal virtues: temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice.
- There is a long-standing belief that golf originated from the Scottish Freemasons. It is said that the Scottish Freemasons had a secret golf course on the island of St. Andrews, where the first known golf course was established.
- Another link between golf and Freemasonry is that many famous golfers have also been Freemasons. During his lifetime, prominent golfer and Freemason, Bob Finley, founded two of the greatest golf courses in the world: the Masters Masters Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia and the British Masters Open Championship Course at Gleneagles, Scotland.
- Freemason golf tournaments are held annually at various Freemason lodges around the world. Paired with Masonic rituals, they make for a unique golfing experience.
FAMOUS GOLFING FREEMASONS:
1. Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer was a very famous American Golfer who belonged to Acacia Lodge No. 606 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He won 92 professional tournaments, including four Masters Tournaments and two British Opens. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
2. Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus was another famous American golfer who was a Freemason in Scioto Lodge No. 6 in Columbus, Ohio. He was nicknamed “The Golden Bear” and won 18 professional major championships, including six Masters and four British Opens. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
3. Gary Player
South African golfer Gary Player was a member of Umzimkulu Lodge No. 265, and was known for his style both on and off the golf course. He won nine professional major championships, including three British Opens and three Masters. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
4. Gene Sarazen – Gene Sarazen was an American professional golfer who was a member of Coronado Lodge No. 336 in Corona, California. He is known for his many achievements in golf, including winning seven major championships, including two PGA Championships and two British Opens. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
5. Bob Hope – Bob Hope was an American entertainer and long-time Freemason, who was a member of Star in the East Lodge No. 468 in Bernardino, California. He was also an avid golfer and won several golf tournaments, including the Bob Hope Desert Classic four times.
6. Sam Snead – Sam Snead was an American professional golfer who belonged to Valley of Roanoke Lodge No. 88 and was known for his allegedly effortless swing. He is one of the founders of the Professional Golfers Association of America and won 81 professional tournaments, including seven major championships.
7. Jordan Spieth – Jordan Spieth is a current professional golfer who is a member of Onward Lodge No. 1170 in Dallas, Texas. He has won 12 professional tournaments and three major championships. He is the youngest golfer to achieve the career Grand Slam in golf.
8. Arnold Palmer Jr. – Arnold Palmer Jr. was a professional golfer who was a member of Shriners International and Hiram-Tubal Lodge No. 373. He was commonly referred to as the “King’s Son” in reference to his famous father, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1975.
9. Billy Casper – Billy Casper was an American professional golfer who was a member of Beehive Lodge No. 754 in Bakersfield, California. He won 51 professional tournaments, including three major championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977.
10. Peter Thomson – Peter Thomson was an Australian professional golfer who was a member of Royal Freemasons’ Lodge No. 8 F&AM in Melbourne, Australia. He won five British Open championships and three Australian Open championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.
11. Tom Watson – Tom Watson was an American professional golfer who belonged to a Scottish Rite lodge in Kansas City, Missouri. He won eight major championships, including five British Open championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.
12. Johnny Miller – Johnny Miller was an American professional golfer who was a member of Ezra Lodge No. 246 in Walnut Creek, California. He won 25 professional tournaments, including two major championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998.
13. Tony Jacklin – Tony Jacklin was an English professional golfer who was a member of St. Margaret Hoe Lodge No. 5754, located in London. He won six professional tournaments, including two major championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.
14. Raymond Floyd – Raymond Floyd was an American professional golfer who was a member of Rising Star Lodge No. 638 in Dallas, Texas. He won 22 professional tournaments, including four major championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1989.
15. Nick Faldo – Nick Faldo was an English professional golfer who was a member of St. Marylebone Lodge No. 1227 in London. He won four major championships during his career. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1997.
16. Lee Trevino – Lee Trevino was an American professional golfer who was a member of Amigo Lodge in Irving, Texas. He was known for his goofy demeanor and won six major championships during his career. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981.
17. Greg Norman – Greg Norman was an Australian professional golfer who was a member of Charitable and Universal Lodge No. 43 in Adelaide, Australia. He won nine professional tournaments, including two British Open championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.
18. Byron Nelson – Byron Nelson was an American professional golfer who was a member of North Richland Hills Lodge No. 1215 in Dallas, Texas. He won 52 professional tournaments during his career, including five major championships. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
19. Bernard Gallacher – Bernard Gallacher was a Scottish professional golfer who was a member of Lodge Wellpark Caledonian No. 1573 in Glasgow. He won five professional tournaments during his career, including the British Masters twice.
20. Doug Sanders – Doug Sanders was an American professional golfer who was a member of Etowah Lodge No. 278 in Atlanta, Georgia. He won 20 professional tournaments, including the Canadian Open, during his career. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
