Thomas John Ball (27 June 1882 â 18 February 1919) was an English professional golfer. Ball placed second in the 1908 Open Championship and tied for second place in the 1909 Open Championship. He won the Belgian Open twice, in 1913 and again in 1914. He won the 1909 News of the World Match Play tournament.
The 1908 Open Championship was held 18âÂÂ19 June at Prestwick Golf Club in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland. Scottish professional James Braid won the Championship for the fourth time, eight strokes ahead of runner-up Ball. Ball's round-by-round scores were 76-73-76-74=299. The primary difference between Ball's score and Braid's was the first round scoring when Braid's superb 70 put him in excellent position to winâÂÂwhich he eventually did. Ball took home ã25 for his fine performance.
The 1909 Open Championship was held 10âÂÂ11 June at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Deal, Kent, England. English star J.H. Taylor won the Championship for the fourth time, six strokes ahead of runners-up Ball and James Braid. Ball carded rounds of 74-75-76-76=301âÂÂwinning ã20 in the processâÂÂand finished six shots behind the winning score of 295 posted by J.H. Taylor.
Ball's father, William (1856âÂÂ1926), was a greenkeeper from Hoylake. His brothers Sydney, William Henry (Harry) and Frank were also professional golfers, as was Harry's son Errie.
Ball died on 18 February 1919 in Wimbledon, Surrey, England. He is best remembered for having three top-10 finishes in the Open Championship, including a second-place finish in 1908.
Note: This list may be incomplete.
Note: Ball only played in The Open Championship.<br />
WD = withdrew<br /> CUT = missed the half-way cut<br /> "T" indicates a tie for a place