Welsh · Font-y-gary, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales · Born 31 March 1913 · Died 1983-11-15Welsh golfer and Ryder Cup captain who led Great Britain to their only postwar victory over the United States, at Lindrick in 1957.
Born David James Rees on 31 March 1913 in Font-y-gary, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, Dai Rees grew up around golf, with his father serving as the professional at his local club. He turned professional in 1929 and built a long, successful career as one of Britain's leading golfers either side of the Second World War, winning 43 professional titles. Rees came agonisingly close to major glory on several occasions, finishing runner-up or tied for second at the Open Championship in 1953, 1954 and 1961, but a major title victory always eluded him. He nonetheless became one of the most respected and beloved figures in British golf, known for his tenacity and competitive spirit. Rees's defining achievement came as playing-captain of the Great Britain and Ireland Ryder Cup team in 1957, which defeated the United States 7½ to 4½ at Lindrick Golf Club in Yorkshire — the only victory Great Britain achieved in the competition between 1933 and 1985, when Tony Jacklin's European team finally repeated the feat. Rees played in nine Ryder Cup matches in total, four of them as playing-captain. Rees won the Harry Vardon Trophy for the tour's lowest scoring average in 1955 and 1959, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1958. He remained the head professional at South Herts Golf Club, a post once held by the legendary Harry Vardon, until his death on 15 November 1983 at age 70, from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Captaining Great Britain and Ireland to their only postwar Ryder Cup victory, at Lindrick in 1957
How They Played
Tenacious, competitive all-rounder with a fine short game
Lasting Impact
One of the most respected and tenacious figures in British golf history