Edward Rivers John Ray (6 April 1877 – 26 August 1943)[1] was a British professional golfer, one of the leading players of the first quarter of the 20th century.

Ray was a tall, well-built man who was known for his prodigious power, although his shots often landed in awful positions.

[2] During his time at Churston, he was encouraged by the club's committee to enter The Open Championships from 1900 to 1902, and was granted a week's leave of absence and five pounds for expenses each year.

Cartoonists usually depicted him with a niblick in hand, festooned with clumps of heather and saplings, with an inseparable pipe clamped between his teeth.

Ray was admired by fans for his daring play, friendly, genial manner and optimistic spirit.

He won the Open at Muirfield in 1912, leading after every round and finishing four strokes ahead of Harry Vardon and eight clear of James Braid in third place.

[12] The 1913 U.S. Open was the subject of a 2005 Disney movie entitled, The Greatest Game Ever Played, based on author Mark Frost's 2002 book of the same name.

Ray had joined Vardon on an extensive tour of North America, promoted and financed by English media baron Lord Northcliffe.

The two stars travelled the continent for two months, partnering in exhibition matches against the top players in each area they visited.

The tour was very successful, attracting large crowds who came out to watch the top British players challenge emerging local golf talent at a time when golf was entering a boom period of popularity, which was further stimulated by the tour.

[11][6] That victory, at 43 years, 129 days, made Ray the oldest U.S. Open champion, a record he held until Raymond Floyd, a few months older, won in 1986.

Ray scored 288 to win by a stroke from Len Holland and Abe Mitchell and two from George Duncan, taking the first prize of £300.

[17] In 1911 Ray beat Harry Vardon in the semi-final to reach his second final, meeting Braid again.

[19] Ray reached his fifth semi-final in 1921, played at his home club, Oxhey, where he met his Jersey contemporary Jack Gaudin.

Ray led by three after 11 holes of the morning round, but Mitchell finished well to level the match at lunch.

Mitchell took a three-hole lead after the first nine holes of the afternoon round and eventually won 2&1, his second successive win in the tournament.

1911 Cruden Bay Tournament attracted an exceptionally strong field of 44 which, as well as James Braid, J.H.

[27][28] The final day was again cold and wet with the players drinking cups of hot coffee at the turn.

Ray beat George Duncan 4&3 in the semi-final and then 53-year-old Rowland Jones by 1 hole in the final.

Ray lost two balls in his first round of 75, taking 7 on both holes, 10 behind the leader, Charles Mayo.

[32] Scoring was generally higher on the second day but Ray had rounds of 68 and 70 to finish level with Taylor.

Ray was chosen as the British playing-captain for the 1926 international match on the East Course at the Wentworth Club in Surrey.

The following year, despite having passed his 50th birthday, Ray was selected for the inaugural Ryder Cup match at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts.

Abe Mitchell was originally chosen as captain but was unable to travel because of illness, and was replaced by Ray.