Eddie Lowery: Francis Ouimet's Caddie in the 1913 U.S. Open

 

Josh Flitter played Eddie Lowery in The Greatest Game Ever Played
Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

With the 2022 U.S. Open set to take place at the Country Club in Brookline, MA, we cannot help but remember the legend of Francis Ouimet and the events that took place the first time the Open was hosted at the Country Club at Brookline. Ouimet was a local amateur that became famous for taking down 2 of golf’s titans in the 18th U.S. Open in 1913. In dramatic fashion, Ouimet took down Harry Vardon and Teddy Ray in an 18-hole playoff to keep the U.S. Open title on U.S. soil. At the time, Ouimet was only about 20 years old and grew up in a home where he had to caddie to help his family through financial hardships. Because of his amazing victory at the U.S. Open, along with a few other US Amateur titles, he’s often referred to as the ‘father of amateur golf.’ The events of the 1913 U.S. Open gave birth to the legend of Francis Ouimet but one could argue that a major contributing force behind that success was his caddie. Let’s take a look at Francis Ouimet’s Caddie at the 1913 US Open.

Who was Francis Ouimet’s Caddie?

Francis Ouimet’s caddie was Eddie Lowery in the 1913 US Open. Lowery, at the time, was only 10 years old and can be seen in the many photographs shared around  the internet. The victory at the 1913 U.S. Open, opened up a lot of doors for Eddie Lowery. His popularity grew significantly, as well as  his love for the game of golf. Eddie later became an exceptional golfer himself. He went on to win the Massachusetts Junior championship in back to back years, 1919 and 1920. He also went on to win the 1927 Massachusetts Amateur, in which he played against his pal Ouimet in the field.

In addition to his successful caddie and golf career, Eddie would find success in some other areas of life. Eddie became the Caddie Master at Woodlawn golf Club, the club where he and his brother Jack grew up caddying. Eddie later became a sports writer for the Boston Traveler. As one would expect, he covered golf primarily. Before moving on to California, Lowery because an Advertising Executive.

How old Was Eddie Lowery, Francis Ouimet’s caddie, in the 1913 U.S. Open?

When Francis Ouimet won the 1913 U.S. Open, his caddie Eddie Lowery was just 10 years old. Lowery wasn’t initially supposed to be on the bag though. Ouimet had initially requested help from his friend Jack Lowery, who was Eddie’s brother. Because Jack got caught playing hooky from school and wasn't able to make Ouimet’s tee time, Eddie Lowery was pulled in as  the emergency switch. The rest, as they say, is History. Ouimet with Lowery at his side produced a legendary feat, which is still recognized today.

How did Eddie Lowery become a millionaire?

After his caddie career, Eddie Lowery became a very successful businessman. Eddie became a multi-millionaire as a result of his auto dealership business in San Francisco, CA. Eddie is credited for building his Dealership, Van Etta Motors, to become the largest Mercury-Lincoln Dealership in America.

Who Played Eddie Lowery in the movie The Greatest Game Ever Played?

In the movie The Greatest Game Ever Played, Eddie Lowery was played by actor Josh Flitter.  He was portrayed as an exuberant and highly positive young man, which Wilcox, Lowery’s only surviving daughter considered to “spot on.” Lowery’s character is easy to remember because of the important advice he gave Ouimet: “Whatever you decide to do, Mr. Ouimet, just keep your head down and I’ll watch the ball.”