Taylor, John Henry

John Henry Taylor, (born March 19, 1871—died February 10, 1963, Northam, Devonshire, England), English professional golfer, a member of the “Great Triumvirate”—with Harry Vardon and James Braid—that won the Open Championship (British Open) 16 times between 1894 and 1914; Taylor won in 1894, 1895, 1900, 1909, and 1913. He was the first English professional to win the Open, which from 1860 through 1893 had been dominated by Scottish golfers.

In 1901 Taylor helped to found the British Professional Golfers’ Association and was chosen its first chairman. He retired in 1946 after 47 years as a club professional and subsequently lived in a cottage close to the Royal North Devon course. Taylor also was successful as a manufacturer of golf equipment and as an author on the sport.