Max Faulkner, one of the most flamboyant and colourful characters ever to grace professional golf, has died at the age of 88. His extrovert style and particularly his dazzling choice of clothes hid an intense dedication to his sport that lifted him to the very pinnacle of success when he became Open Champion in 1951 at Royal Portrush.
He came from golfing stock. His father Gus, also a professional, owned a golf course at Selsey where Max practised constantly towards his dedicated ambition of winning The Open and legend has it that the irrepressible Max was so confident of winning that he signed autographs “Open Champion 1951” after only two rounds.
His formidable career spanned three decades from 1946 and he scored 16 wins in Europe as well as two Seniors titles and even captured the Portuguese Open at the age of 52, an achievement which, quite apart from the competitive skills involved, reflected the high level of fitness he maintained throughout his life.
His happy go-lucky manner made him crowd favourite wherever he played and his son-in-law Brian Barnes, the distinguished European Tour player, said: “Max was the first great entertainer in British golf. And what made him such a great entertainer was that he had the game to go with it.
“He was a superb striker of the ball and had a wonderful golf swing. He was always super-confident. I don’’t think I ever heard him utter a negative thought. He always thought positively. He used to say if you think you are lucky, you will be.”
He was a loyal and enthusiastic team man and played in five Ryder Cup Matches, most notable of which was the historic 1957 contest at Lindrick when the Great Britain team defeated a powerful United States squad. Even though Max was dropped from the last day singles, he romped round the course encouraging his team-mates and relaying information on the overall state of the match. Several home players that day admitted they were inspired by his selfless enthusiasm as well as the good news of changing fortunes he brought them.
His penchant for brightly-coloured clothes, particularly those plus-fours, can be traced to a stay in hospital during World War Two, when he was given a bunch of flowers which contrasted vividly with the drab and dreary surroundings and he vowed instantly that he would always dress in exuberant styles on the golf course to celebrate the sheer joy of living.
He loved the outdoor life and owned a farm in Sussex as well as a half-share in West Chiltington golf course where until only a few years ago, according to Brian Barnes, he could still play nine holes in 36 strokes. Max was renowned for putting something back into the sport he felt had given him so much. He headed the ambitious Butten Scheme which aimed to produce world class golfers through proper coaching, fitness and diet. The most successful graduates of the system were Tommy Horton and Brian Barnes who later married Max’’s daughter Hilary.
He constantly experimented with his golf swing and equipment and at one time was reputed to have owned 300 putters. Two years ago Max received the Order of the British Empire for his services to golf and charity for which he raised thousands of pounds through exhibition and challenge matches. He was also a Freeman of the City of London.
Peter Alliss, in his book The Who’’s Who of Golf, wrote: “In my opinion, the most talented player of his era.”
Tributes
“So much of the present success and appeal enjoyed by golf is owed to the dedicated pioneering of Max Faulkner and his contemporaries 50 years ago, “ said George O’’Grady, Executive Director of The European Tour, to lead tributes from all corners of the game today.
“Max will be remembered for ever as a colourful character with an enormous talent, sufficient to win the 1951 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, an achievement to be measured by the fact that it was 18 years before another British challenger won the title.
“His ability to inspire, to encourage, to lead by example, as he did especially to play a part in the 1957 defeat of America for the Ryder Cup, in those days a very rare feat indeed, has benefited grateful generations of golfers since. He commands a major role in the history of golf.”
Neil Coles, Chairman of The European Tour, said: “Playing alongside Max, as I often did for our Cancer Relief fund-raising exhibitions, was always a great experience. Just watching him strike the ball was a priceless lesson. I learned so much from him while enjoying his company as a great character with an extraordinary sense of humour.”
Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the Professional Golfers Association, said: “ Max Faulkner was one of the great legends of professional golf and his Open Championship success in 1951 provided a great highlight for the game. More than 50 years later his enthusiasm for golf remained as strong as ever.”
Brian Barnes: “Max was more than my father-in-law, he was a marvellous friend who, always helpful, coached and guided my career from the time when, 40 odd years ago, he took control of the unique Butten Boy coaching academy project and I was one of his pupils. We all looked up to Max as an Open Champion and his wise advice gave us the best possible start in life as raw, young professionals. We need more like him.”
Peter Alliss: “There is so much to remember and appreciate about Max Faulkner. I started my professional career when he was up there winning, attracting crowds and entertaining them as a colourful forerunner of golf fashion. While a little eccentric he was also one of the best strikers of a golf ball the game has ever seen. He could play a controlled slice with an eight or nine iron.
“He was extremely fit at his peak, despite smoking 50 cigarettes and drinking 20 cups of strong tea a day. I played in the 1951 Open he won at Royal Portrush and I remember him holding up his cheque for £300 or so and telling us ‘That’’s my kids education taken care of’’.”
Dave Thomas: “”Well, that’’s the passing of an era - Max, Dai Rees and Ken Bousfield all gone. They were the champions and the role models we all looked up to. Max was definitely a little on the unusual side but he was also a helluva player. He could do anything with a golf ball and his slow, majestic swing was a work of art. We all learned from him.”
Christy O’’Connor: “We have lost a great friend who could leave us in tears of laughter with his stories, amaze us with his colourful clothes, we called him Mr Colour Scheme, and show us how to hit the ball straight with a fine swing. He was great company as a team-mate in the pressures of a Ryder Cup match or the fun of an exhibition day. Max was definitely one of a kind and there may never be another like him.”
Bernard Gallacher: "I will always be grateful to Max for the help and guidance he gave me from the moment I turned provessional. He could not have done more for me. But most importantly, I think, he was great for golf as a whole."
