Exclusive: The story of an Irish golfing great we hardly knew — Johnny Farrell
Johnny Farrell, winner of the 1928 US Open at Olympia Fields in Chicago.
As Ireland prepares to induct Pádraig Harrington into the World Golf Hall of Fame - where he will join exceptional Irish legends such as Joe Carr and Christy O’Connor - another name with strong Irish connections has emerged from the golfing annals.
This Monday, Johnny Farrell will also be inducted into the new World Golf Hall of Fame at Pinehurst village, North Carolina, where a case can be made that a fourth Irishman will be celebrated at one of golf’s most prestigious gatherings. Born in New York in 1901, Farrell’s Irish heritage is deeply rooted.
His parents James Charles Farrell and Catherine Breen were from Borris-in-Ossory and Mountrath before they eloped and emigrated to the United States in 1890 in search of a better life.
Those early years were far from a Hollywood fairy-tale or American Dream and the struggles were real. Farrell’s parents settled for a time in New York and were married on October 1, 1894. Their first son, James Jnr, was born in 1895, followed by their daughter Margaret, before Johnny came into the world in 1901.
However, after the untimely death of Farrell’s father in 1905, his mother made the decision to return home to Ireland with their children. It was a path met with some resistance when her cousin refused to give up the family farm, Catherine made the decision to return to the States with her children.
After losing her husband at a young age, Catherine and the children eventually set up home in White Plains, New York, but the struggles continued. They had to live in boarding houses for several years and struggled to generate any meaningful income. When Farrell was just eight, he left school to try and get work to support his family.
In many ways, this inauspicious start would be the beginning of a remarkable journey in golf for Farrell. He got his first job at nearby Siwanoy Country Club, which later led to a role as a caddy there.
Farrell showed a natural talent for the game and was spotted by Jermone Travers, winner of four US Amateur titles and the 1915 US Open at Baltusrol. Johnny’s life took on a new trajectory under the mentorship of Travers and he would soon make his own mark on the game.
Farrell’s crowning moment came in 1928 when he triumphed over the legendary Bobby Jones in a dramatic 36-hole play-off to win the US Open at Olympia Fields in Chicago, Illinois. The victory was sealed when Farrell finished with back-to-back birdies to defeat Jones by one stroke.
Farrell was the real deal, he won 27 PGA Tour titles, including a mesmerising purple patch in the 1927 season when won eight tournaments in a row. He also played in three Ryder Cups at a time when the Americans were the dominant force.
Despite such playing success, life on the road came to an end as Farrell retired early from his playing career and transitioned seamlessly into the next chapter of his life as a coach and mentor. He took up the role as Head PGA Professional at Baltusrol Golf Club as he and his wife Kay settled and raised their family in New Jersey. His knowledge and wisdom ensured he would become a legendary teacher of the game. He coached golfers of all ability, including five US Presidents.
As Farrell takes his rightful place in the World Golf Hall of Fame, it is worth taking a moment to recall such a remarkable back story, one with deep Irish roots and heritage. Farrell’s story is testament to his enduring spirit and determination. No longer one of golf’s forgotten stories, it is fitting that Farrell will be inducted at the same time as Harrington, as golf celebrates another one of its legendary figures.
Note: Farrell, along with Harrington, O’Connor and Carr all have one thing in common: Parents who were/are Irish. No ‘Granny rules required!”
*The author is the founder of Niche Media. Formerly golf host on CNN and FOX Sports in the USA, he is based in Dublin.
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