John McDermott is without question the most overlooked golfer in U.S. history. Francis Quimet gets credit for putting US golf on the map when the young American shocked the world by winning the 1913 US Open. But guess what? The two prior US Opens were also won by a young American, John McDermott. McDermott is still the youngest golfer to win a Major when he won the 1911 US Open at the age of 19. He then defended his title by winning the 1912 US Open as well. But McDermott is often ignored in the annals of golf history. Why? Because unlike Francis Ouimet, McDermott would not become an ambassador of the game. He suffered a near death experience in 1914, and spent the rest of his life switching between mental hospitals, rest homes, and living with family while he dealt with mental illness.

Offered here is a rare walking stick stamped J.J. McDermott during the brief time that he was head professional at Atlantic City Country Club before essentially disappearing from the world of golf at age 23.  This 34” walking stick has a clean deep oval stamping on the head, horn nosing strip with 3 dowels, brass end cap, whipping on cane shaft where it meets the head. Great original example of a golf club walking stick in outstanding condition.

This John McDermott Sunday stick comes from Francis Ouimet's personal collection. So whether or not Francis Ouimet considered McDermott his rival, we do know that Ouimet kept this walking stick with him for the duration of his life until it was donated to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund. 

Letter of Provenance from the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund