Golf Central

Me? In the sixth form girls dormitory? With MY reputation?

Herbert Gustavus Max Faulkner (1912-2005) not only had one of the best names of the Post War period but was also one of the greatest showmen. He famously kitted himself out in loud clothes and would wear salmon coloured plus fours at a time when you couldn't get salmon for dinner.

Eccentricities aside, Faulkner could play a bit too. His crowning glory was his 1951 Open Championship win, something he achieved while sporting a natty pair of canary coloured slacks. Cheekily, he signed an autograph “Max Faulkner Open Champion” before the final round began, at the time he was six shots ahead and faltered to a two shot win. He played in 5 Ryder cups including the famous 1957 win at Lindrick.

It's been said that on winning first prize at a small, local, golfing tournament, Faulkner gave the following as an acceptance speech "Ladies and Gentlemen. Big prize, big speech, small prize small speech, thank you."  Although this has never been confirmed, the story highlights the character of one of the great personalities of the post-war era.