Thomas Dunn

1847 - 1902

Tom was born in 1847 just before his father,  Willie Dunn Snr (1821-1878), took up the roll of greenskeeper and professional at Blackheath. Willie was one half of the famous "Dunnie" twins of Musselburgh, Jamie being the other twin, and both being notable golfers of their time, playing against the likes of Allan Robertson and 'Old' Tom Morris.

Tom grew up in the world of golf, he learned the game and family business, including the art of clubmaking and groundsmanship from his father. Taking his first professional job at Wimbledon (the London Scottish Golf Club) in 1870, before moving up to North Berwick in 1881 for nine years before coming back down south to Tooting Bec 1889 - 1893, Meyrick Park 1894 - 1899 and Hanger Hill in 1900 until his death in 1902. He had five sisters and a younger brother, Willie Dunn Jr who also became a renowned golf professional and course architect.

Tom married Isabella Gourlay of the famous ballmaking family. They had two sons, Tom's eldest John Duncan Dunn who received a patent for his now famous one-piece driver whilst working in the family business in Bournemouth, and the youngest Seymour Dunn. Tom left the running of the club making business to his brother Willie Dunn Jr, who was apprenticed to him, and his sons and specialized in golf course layout, claiming to have laid out over 130 courses. The courses are predominantly found in England with a few exceptions in Europe. Some of his better-known courses include

Tom was born in 1847 just before his father,  Willie Dunn Snr (1821-1878), took up the roll of greenskeeper and professional at Blackheath. Willie was one half of the famous "Dunnie" twins of Musselburgh, Jamie being the other twin, and both being notable golfers of their time, playing against the likes of Allan Robertson and 'Old' Tom Morris.

Tom grew up in the world of golf, he learned the game and family business, including the art of clubmaking and groundsmanship from his father. Taking his first professional job at Wimbledon (the London Scottish Golf Club) in 1870, before moving up to North Berwick in 1881 for nine years before coming back down south to Tooting Bec 1889 - 1893, Meyrick Park 1894 - 1899 and Hanger Hill in 1900 until his death in 1902. He had five sisters and a younger brother, Willie Dunn Jr who also became a renowned golf professional and course architect.

Tom married Isabella Gourlay of the famous ballmaking family. They had two sons, Tom's eldest John Duncan Dunn who received a patent for his now famous one-piece driver whilst working in the family business in Bournemouth, and the youngest Seymour Dunn. Tom left the running of the club making business to his brother Willie Dunn Jr, who was apprenticed to him, and his sons and specialized in golf course layout, claiming to have laid out over 130 courses. The courses are predominantly found in England with a few exceptions in Europe. Some of his better-known courses include

but is not limited to Biarritz Le Phare and Dinard in France, the English clubs include Broadstone, Felixstowe, Reigate Heath, Royal Worlington & Newmarket, Sheringham, Weston-Super-Mare, Hanger Hill, Great Yarmouth, Skegness, Woking and extending Wimbledon (London Scottish Golf Club) to 18 holes.

Dunn competed in the Open Golf Championships eight times, 1868 being his first and also his highest finish. He managed to finish in 6th place, never improving on any of the other attempts.

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