Fritz R. Martin
Inducted: 1974
Fritz Martin
Category: Amateur Golfer
Born: September 15, 1869
Place of Birth: York, Ontario, Canada
Death: May 19, 1934
The first left-handed golfer to win the Canadian Amateur, Fritz Martin captured the championship in 1902 and 1910 and was a finalist in 1907 and 1908. His greatest matches were against his brother-in-law George S.Lyon, including the times they met as seniors. A five-time captain of Hamilton Golf and Country Club, Martin was elected president in 1910 and was club champion on nine occasions.
National:
- 1902 and 1910 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion
- 1927 Canadian Seniors Golf Championship
Other Items of Note:
- President of Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Ancaster, Ontario in 1910; Captain in 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909 and 1012.
- 1907 Canadian Amateur Champion Runner-Up
- 1908 Canadian Amateur Champion Runner-Up
- In 1905, Martin entered his first United States Amateur Championship, with his famous brother-in-law, George S. Lyon. As fate would have it they were drawn against each other for the first round of match play. In Lyon’s own words Martin » put up one of those electric games he is noted for, and defeated me one up, going round the Chicago course in 79 to my 80. He played the last nine holes in 36 – quite good enough to beat anyone. »
- A portion of a quote from the British Empire Games Trials 1934 program reads: « At one time it was said he (Martin) had the best temperament for match play of any golfer, not even excepting his brother-in-law George S. Lyon, who was so often champion ».
Awards:
Inducted to Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2000
Resources:
Photos of Fritz Martin from our collection.