Rex Crummack

Born to a wealthy family in Lancashire Rex Crummack went to London and was trained for a career in the cotton business. He played football, cricket and hockey (earning five caps) but he considered golf to be his main sport. He was the only golfer who took part in The Amateur Championship, both before World War I and after World War II, during a span from 1909-46. His best finish was making the quarter-finals in 1925, although Crummack won the Lancashire Amateur three times (1911-12, 1920). His younger brother Edward played hockey alongside him for Alderley Edge, and his younger sister Frances was also an excellent golfer and it was a family double in 1920 when she was the ladies’ Lancashire Amateur champion.

In World War I he served as Captain in the South Lancashire Regiment and was wounded during a gas attack in France, which severely affected his health. He was awarded the Victory and British medals and the 1915 Star. Nevertheless, he continued to play hockey playing his last game in 1926. In 1931 he was appointed international hockey selector. As a wealthy cotton merchant he played a significant role in the British amateur sports scene.