Growing up in Hoylake

Frederic Haskins was born on the first day of May in 1898, coming into the world without the benefit of a middle name. His family’s business and living quarters were practically next door to Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England (Bobby Jones would win the British Open here in his Grand Slam of 1930). He could not remember a time in which golf was not being played or discussed. “I was born into a golfing family,” he liked to say. “ We played golf and talked golf. I was brought up on a golf course.” Working for Arthur Haskins and Sons (his father’s successful sports equipment store) was not easy. But for three future golf pros in Haskins and two of his brothers, it was an ideal childhood. Not only did they receive instruction in the manufacture of balls and the making of clubs, they played the links of Liverpool, hallowed ground even then. 

Fred received his first set of clubs when he was 5 years old, a cut-down collection from his father’s shop. Using those ragtag clubs, he puttered balls around whenever he could. When he was old enough, Tommy and Bert - his older brothers - started giving him lessons, planning to turn him into the boy wonder of British golf. Half a century later, he remembered every piece of advice they shared with him.

Excerpt from book:

Mr. Haskins of Hoylake

by Richard Hyatt