Willie Hoare

William Vincent Hoare (27 May 1876 – 1955) was an American professional golfer of English descent. Hoare finished in fifth place in the 1897 U.S. Open and placed tied for sixth in the 1898 U.S. Open, held at Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He was one of the founding members of the PGA of America, representing the Central States Section.

Early life Hoare was born in England on 27 May 1876. At age 21 he emigrated to the United States sailing aboard the RMS Aurania from Liverpool and arrived in New York on 4 June 1896. On 26 May 1906 he married Bertha Marie Weidinger in Chicago, Illinois. In 1896 and 1897 he served as the head professional of the Philadelphia Cricket Club.

Golf career

U.S. Open In the 1896 U.S. Open, Hoare posted rounds of 90-81=171 finishing alone in 15th place. He improved on that effort when he carded rounds of 82-87=169 and finished in fifth place at the 1897 U.S. Open, winning $10 in prize money. He had rounds of 84-84-87-87=342 and tied for sixth place in the 1898 U.S. Open, held at Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, winning no prize money for his effort. Later, in 1921, he was playing out of the Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

PGA of America founding member He was one of the founding members of the PGA of America in 1916 and later worked as an executive for the Wilson Sporting Goods company. He was a member of the PGA's first executive committee and served as a vice-president representing the Central States Section while serving as a professional in Memphis, Tennessee. He also worked for the Spalding company and was a prolific club maker, with unique markings on the clubs of his design.

Death and legacy Hoare died in 1955 in Pinellas County, Florida.

Results in major championships Note: Hoare played only in the U.S. Open.

"T" indicates a tie for a place ? = unknown Yellow background for top-10