Title
Recognizing and honoring the life and career of former professional golfer and Philadelphian, John J. McDermott, Jr., who will be memorialized with a historical marker in his childhood neighborhood of Kingsessing in Southwest Philadelphia on October 9, 2014.
Body
WHEREAS, John J. McDermott, Jr. was born and raised in Philadelphia. The son of a mailman, "Johnny" received high marks at West Philadelphia High School before the allure of a professional golf career led to him drop out in 1908 before he had graduated; and
WHEREAS, McDermott began his career in golf at Aronimink Golf Club, once located in the Kingsessing section of Southwest Philadelphia, where he learned much about the game from the Club's longtime professional, Walter Reynolds; and
WHEREAS, Johnny moved from Aronimink to Merion and then to his first head professional position at the Merchantville Country Club in 1910, and then his skills were recruited by the more affluent and historic Atlantic City Country Club. Also in 1910, at the age of only 18, McDermott played in his second U.S. Open Championship, held that year at famed Philadelphia Cricket Club's "St. Martin's Course", just inside the Philadelphia limits in Chestnut Hill. At the end of the regulation 72 holes, McDermott stood tied with Alex and MacDonald Smith, professional golfing brothers from Scotland. In the succeeding 18 hole playoff, McDermott would finish just behind the senior Scotsman; and
WHEREAS, After winning the Philadelphia Open in 1910 and 1911, McDermott made his return to the national stage at the 1911 U.S. Open held at the Chicago Golf Club. Again tied after regulation, McDermott won his playoff by three shots over competitors Mike Brady and George Simpson. McDermott became both the first American to win the National championship, and also still holds the record as the youngest U.S. Open champion ever at only 19; and
WHEREAS, McDermott defended his title at the 1912 U.S. Open held at The Country Club ...
Click here for full text