Bill Shankland

William Joseph Shankland (25 July 1907 – 8 September 1998) was one of Australia's great all-round sportsmen. Shankland remained in England and became a renowned golfer, finishing third at the 1939 Open Championship, and golf teacher.

Early life Shankland was born in Sydney, New South Wales. He is said to have been an accomplished swimmer, boxer and cricketer, as well as footballer.

Career

Rugby career

Shankland played for the Glebe and Eastern Suburbs clubs in rugby league. While playing for Glebe in 1928, the 21-year-old was selected to make his state debut, the following year, moving to the Eastern Suburbs club, Shankland was selected for the 1929–30 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain. The winger played in all 4 test matches and was the leading try scorer on the tour with 24.

On tour, Shankland was pursued by English clubs but returned to Australia, captain-coaching Leeton's club in the Riverina. He led Warrington in 2 Wembley cup finals, becoming the first Australian to do so, as well as captaining the side in 2 English Championship finals.

Bill Shankland played in Warrington's 10–9 victory over St.Helens in the 1932–33 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1932–33 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 19 November 1932, and played on the , scored a conversion and was captain in the 8–4 victory over Barrow in the 1937–38 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1937–38 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 23 October 1937.

The 1937 season saw him lead Warrington to victory over Barrow in the Lancashire cup final. The 1937 was his last in rugby league, his retirement allowed him to concentrate on his golfing career.

From golfing exhibitions, Shankland raised almost a million pounds for charity.

He was an assistant professional at Royal Sydney Golf Club, Australia, and West Lancashire Golf Club, Liverpool, England, and head professional at Marbury Country Club, Cheshire, England, Haydock Park, Merseyside, England, and in 1938 Temple Newsam Golf Club, Leeds, England, where he replaced Percy Alliss.

He was an Honorary Life member of eleven clubs and Honorary member of six clubs.

Personal life Shankland was married to his wife Daphne for 67 years until her death. He had three sons, two of whom were golf professionals owning golf courses in the United States.

Shankland died aged 91 of heart failure in Warrington, Cheshire, England.

Professional wins (3) 1940 Childwall Tournament 1948 Leeds Cup 1955 Middlesex Professional Championship Source:

Results in major championships Note: Shankland only played in The Open Championship.

NT = No tournament CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" indicates a tie for a place