Tom Walton (golfer)


Thomas Walton was an English professional golfer. His best performance in the Open Championship was a tie for 8th place in 1922, his first appearance. He was runner-up in the 1923 Daily Dispatch Northern Professional Championship behind Abe Mitchell.

Early life

Walton was born in 1891 in St Anne's-on-the-Sea, Lancashire, England.

Golf career

Walton played in the St Annes Old Links Tournament in June 1919, representing Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, and finished tied for 12th place with four rounds of 77.
Walton was one of the runners-up in the 1922 Leeds Cup at Manchester Golf Club, a shot behind Jack Gaudin. In his first qualifying round in the 1922 Open Championship, playing at Prince's, he did the first 9 holes in 34. Although he came back in 40, his rounds of 74 and 77 put him well up amongst the qualifiers. Rounds of 75 and 78 on the first day of the Championship put him in a tie for 5th place. Two rounds of 77 on the final day left him tied for 8th place. He shared the 8th and 9th place prize money with Harry Vardon, each taking home £6 5s.
In the 1923 Daily Dispatch Northern Professional Championship at Lytham & St Annes, Walton finished tied for third place with Herbert Gaudin and behind two Americans, Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. He finished one better in the 1925 event, being runner-up, 2 strokes behind Abe Mitchell. The 1925 event was again held at his home club.
In April 1927 Walton moved from Royal Lytham to the Leamington & County Golf Club, where he remained until his death.

Death

Walton died at his home in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire on 2 August 1941 aged 50. He had been ill for some time. He left a wife and three children.

Results in major championships

Note: Walton only played in The Open Championship.
CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place