Traditions | USSGA

Findlay S. Douglas was a significant figure in the development of golf in the United States, known for his competitive success, leadership, and influential role in club and course development. Born in Scotland in 1874, he captained the University of St Andrews golf team and won the R&A gold medal in 1896 before emigrating to New York in 1897.

After arriving in New York, a fortuitous visit to the A.G. Spalding sporting goods store on Nassau Street introduced him to a select group of accomplished golfers, who soon welcomed him into their circle. He quickly became a prominent competitor, winning the U.S. Amateur in 1898 and the Metropolitan Amateur titles in 1901 and 1903. In 1905, he led the Lesley Cup team as captain, playing alongside such stalwarts as Charles B. Macdonald, Percy R. Pyne II, Jerome D. Travers,
and Walter J. Travis.

Douglas joined the Apawamis Club in 1901, was a founding member of the National Golf Links of America in 1909, and later played a key role in building the golf course at Blind Brook as Chairman of its Green Committee, completing the work commenced by Macdonald and Raynor. For many years, he and several fellow members of the National made it their custom to assemble each Friday at Pennsylvania Station, departing in a private Pullman car for Southampton, where weekends were devoted to golf and bridge. In his later years, he found enduring enjoyment at Blind Brook, where time was often spent playing nine holes of golf in the company of friends.

His peers held him in high esteem, and he served as President of the MGA (1922–1924), the USGA (1929–1930), and the USSGA (1937–1941). As a Senior, he continued to excel, winning the Annual Championship in 1932, and playing for the International Team seven times. In 1959, the year he died, he received the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor for distinguished sportsmanship in golf.

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Findlay S. Douglas