This Day in Golf History: July 8

On this day in 1938, at Royal St. George's Golf Club in Sandwich, England, Reg Whitcombe survived in rough weather to win the Open Championship by two strokes over Jimmy Adams and three over defender Henry Cotton. The weather was even more diabolical than normal in 1938. The championship was supposed to be played in Deal at Royal Cinque Ports, but unusual high tides in February had damaged the course with flooding, forcing a switch to St. George's. The 36-hole final day was played in gale-force winds, which tore apart the exhibition tent. Whitcombe managed the mayhem the best, shooting 75-78. It was a better day on this date in 1955 when the Open Championship concluded once again at the Old Course, St. Andrews. The Champion Golfer of the Year was Australia’s Peter Thomson, who won his second of three straight titles.