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Dai Rees

Profession: Golfer

Nationality:
Scotland
Scottish

Biography: Dai Rees was a Welsh professional golfer, well-known for his numerous tournament wins, including four News of the World Match Play victories, two British Masters titles, and wins at the Irish, Belgian, and Swiss Opens. As captain of the 1957 Great Britain Ryder Cup team, Rees led his team to a historic victory against the United States.

Rees started his life in a family deeply involved with golf. His professional golf career was briefly interrupted by his service as a driver for Air Vice-Marshal Harry Broadhurst during World War II. Following the war, Rees resumed his golf career, earning numerous tournament wins and three runner-up finishes at The Open Championship.

Rees's leadership in the 1957 Ryder Cup, breaking the United States' long-standing winning streak, was a highlight of his career. He would serve as Ryder Cup captain several times over the course of his career.

In recognition of his services to golf, Rees was awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1957 and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1958. Rees's impact on the sport extended beyond his playing years and into popularizing golf in Britain.

Born: March 31, 1913
Birthplace: Fontegary, Glamorgan

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Aries

Died: November 15, 1983 (aged 70)
Cause of Death: Car accident injuries

Historical Events

  • 1953-07-10 British Open Men's Golf, Carnoustie: In his only Open Championship appearance, Ben Hogan prevails by 4 strokes over Dai Rees, Antonio Cerdá, Peter Thomson, Frank Stranahan
  • 1954-07-09 British Open Men's Golf, Royal Birkdale GC: 23-year-old Australian Peter Thomson wins first of his 5 Open titles by a stroke from Bobby Locke, Dai Rees, and Syd Scott
  • 1957-10-05 Ryder Cup Golf, Lindrick GC: Great Britain-Ireland win, 7½-4½; Dai Rees captains home team to first Cup victory since 1933
  • 1961-07-15 British Open Men's Golf, Royal Birkdale GC: Arnold Palmer wins the first of 2 consecutive Open Championships, a stroke ahead of Welshman Dai Rees

Biographies and Sources


Famous Golfers