Tommy McAuliffe

armless golf wonder / 1910-1950


from TOMMY MCAULIFFE, "WORLD CHAMPION ARMLESS GOLFER"

The title "World Champion Armless Golfer" is most likely a title few people have ever considered. While golfers traditionally identify themselves as playing left-handed or right-handed,
few have ever encountered individuals that play no-handed. That is, unless they had the good fortune to come across Tommy McAuliffe.

Tommy Mcauliffe was born in 1893 in Buffalo, New York, the oldest of five children. Young Tommy was an ordinary 9 year old child until he had to have his arms completely amputated following
a freak accident in which he was run over by a train. This is where Tommy's story becomes truly remarkable.

While attending college, the now-armless McAuliffe took a job as a caddie. Eventually, he began to experiment with golf clubs, grasping them between his chin, neck, and shoulder.
He worked feverishly to improve his technique, and excelled rapidly. He became a skilled golfer, even going so far as to win the local Caddy's tournament.

While his tee shots averaged an impressive 150 yards, he was most renowned for his deft touch around the greens with his wedges and putter. Tommy's average score was 92, with a lifetime low of 85.
Following college, Tommy took his act on the road, showing off his rare talent in exhibitions and even getting to play with the likes of Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, and Walter Hagan.

Aside from golf, Tommy started and maintained a successful Insurance company, and took immense pride in his role as a devoted husband and father of four. He is featured in the Langley Golf Museum in
Kissimmee, Florida. His television credits include a feature on "You Asked For It."

Though Tommy McAuliffe's experience as an armless golfer was extremely unique, his story is much the same as every golfer's.
He was simply a man trying to overcome his limitations to become the best golfer he could be.



- Buffalo (NY) Commercial / August 27, 1919 (pg.8) -                      - Buffalo (NY) Commercial / August 28, 1919 (pg.8) -                      - Buffalo (NY) Courier / August 14, 1922 (pg.10) -


Programs:

Orpheum Theatre / Los Angeles, CA (1928)


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