William McGowan (golfer)
William McGowan (1886–1918) was a Scottish golfer.
Early life and golf career
McGowan was born in 1886 in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland. He eventually became the professional at Radcliffe-on-Trent Golf Club in Nottinghamshire, England, where he was an apprentice to Tom Williamson and David Kinell, who both came in the top 10 in The Open Championship at least once. There is no record of significant tournament victories, but he participated in the Open qualifying in Prestwick in 1908, the Midland Professional Championship and the £350 Foursome.[1]
World War I service and death
When World War I broke out, William enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters and later The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) 7th Battalion, regiment of the British Army. He served as a private on the Western Front. On 24 October 1918, He was killed in action during the final stages of the war as Allied forces advanced through northern France. His death occurred just weeks before the armistice on 11 November 1918.[2]
McGowan was buried at the Verchain British Cemetery in Fontaine-au-Bois, Nord, France. The cemetery contains the graves of soldiers who fell during the final months of the war.
Family
McGowan was the second youngest of eight children. His parents were Alexander and Jeanie and he had one son, Kenneth.
References
- ^ "Antique Golf Clubs from Scotland: Clubmakers". www.antiquegolfscotland.com. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
- ^ "Roll of Honour". Nottinghamshire County Council. Retrieved 31 December 2024.