Johnny Farrell: Best Golfer the World Has Never Known

IN 1928 THE BEST PROFESSIONAL GOLFER wasn't Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, or Tommy Armour. It was a New York club professional who was the first golfer to receive an endorsement contract for his stylish attire.

Johnny Farrell He sported fashionable plus-four trousers, long-sleeved shirts, ties and tie clasps, sweaters and two-tone leather golf shoes. Seventy-five years later he would be called the best golfer the world has never known.

His name was Johnny Farrell. Legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice tagged him "Handsome Johnny," and it stuck.

In 1927 Farrell won eight consecutive tournaments and was voted professional golfer of the year. It was a record that would stand for 17 years until a…