Henry Longhurst

Henry Longhurst – Life, Voice & Legacy of Britain’s Voice of Golf

Henry Longhurst (1909–1978), the eminent British golf writer, commentator and occasional MP, blended wit, insight, and elegance to become one of the most beloved voices in golf journalism. Explore his biography, style, famous lines, and enduring influence.

Introduction

Henry Carpenter Longhurst (March 18, 1909 – July 21, 1978) was a British journalist, golf writer, broadcaster, and occasional politician whose name became synonymous with the commentary and literature of golf.

For over four decades, he served as the golf correspondent of The Sunday Times. Later he became one of the principal voices of BBC golf coverage, and even crossed briefly into parliamentary life during World War II.

His commentary—especially in televised Masters tournaments—was marked by a refined, warm tone, a wry wit, and a reverence for the game’s nuance. In America, he’s perhaps best remembered for his iconic call of Jack Nicklaus’s 40-foot birdie putt on the 16th at the 1975 Masters:

“My, my… in all my life I have never seen a putt quite like that.”

Beyond his public persona, Longhurst authored several books, commented across the Atlantic, and left a lasting mark on how golf is narrated.

Early Life & Education

Henry Longhurst was born at Bromham, Bedfordshire, England, on March 18, 1909. His father, William Henry Longhurst, ran a house-furnishing business in Bedford (Longhurst & Skinner). His mother was Constance (née Smith).

He spent part of his youth in Eastbourne, where he attended St. Cyprian’s School, located near the Royal Eastbourne Golf Club. Longhurst later recollected watching the caddies and golfers from a hidden vantage point, feeling envious and enthralled.

Afterward, he was educated at Bedford School, then won a scholarship to Charterhouse School. In 1928, he entered Clare College, Cambridge, where he played for Cambridge University’s golf team and captained it in 1931.

As an amateur golfer, Longhurst had notable successes: he won the German Amateur Championship in 1936 and was runner-up in the French Amateur in 1937, among other contests.

Journalism, Golf Writing & Broadcasting

The Sunday Times & Early Writing

After a brief stint in his family business, Longhurst found work selling advertising for a trade journal. He also aligned with the political and intellectual milieu of Sir Ernest Benn, working for Hardware Trade Journal and embracing certain libertarian ideas.

He began contributing to a small golf magazine called Tee Topics. His writing attracted the attention of The Sunday Times, which recruited him as its golf correspondent. He held that position for approximately 40–45 years.

Over the years, he also contributed to Golf Illustrated and published numerous books on golf, life, and travel.

Television, Radio & U.S. Commentary

From the late 1950s until his death, Longhurst served as BBC Television’s senior golf commentator.

He also appeared on American broadcasts for CBS and ABC. Starting in 1965, CBS producer Frank Chirkinian invited Longhurst to join select tournament broadcasts.

His calm, polished commentary made him a beloved voice in both the U.K. and the U.S. One of his most famous lines remains the description of Nicklaus’s 1975 Masters putt.

He also brought characteristic humor and perspective to commentary, often with wry observations about the quirks of golf, practice, and the human side of competition.

Publications & Literary Work

Longhurst’s written output spanned golf, travel, autobiography, and more. Some of his notable works include:

• Golf (1937)

• It Was Good While It Lasted (1941)

• I Wouldn’t Have Missed It (1945)

• You Never Know Till You Get There (1949) — a travel and experience book

• Golf Mixture (1952), Round in Sixty-Eight (1953)

• The Borneo Story (1956) — history of British trading in Borneo

• Adventure in Oil (1959)

• My Life and Soft Times (1971) — his memoir

In My Life and Soft Times, Longhurst defended his own schooling, commented on his experiences, and recounted the challenges and pleasures of his life.

Politics & Other Pursuits

During World War II, Longhurst briefly entered politics. In 1943, he was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Acton through a by-election. However, he lost the seat in the 1945 general election.

He also traveled extensively, engaging in projects related to aviation, oil, and international development—reflected in some of his non-golf books (e.g. Adventure in Oil).

In 1953, Longhurst purchased a pair of windmills near Brighton in Sussex (called “Jack and Jill”) which became his residence. He initially lived in the windmill known as Jack, and later in a modern house built adjacent. Jill was restored and opened to visitors.

Style, Voice & Personality

Longhurst’s writing and commentary style stood out for its:

• Elegance & fluency — His prose was often praised as effortless and graceful; Alistair Cooke likened it to “falling out of bed.”

• Witty insight — He frequently deployed light irony or humor in observations about golf and life.

• Respect for tradition and nuance — He had a deep appreciation for the game’s heritage and often spoke of its poetic and human dimensions rather than merely score and shot.

• Gentle authority — His demeanor was calm, measured, and deferential, which endeared him to audiences even in high-pressure moments.

Longhurst avoided certain parlance in golf commentary: according to commentators, he seldom used terms like “eagle,” “bogey,” or “double bogey” directly, instead referring to less favorable scores as “dreaded others.”

Famous Quotes

Here are a few representative lines attributed to Longhurst:

“My, my … in all my life I have never seen a putt quite like that.”
— His celebrated call of Nicklaus’s 40-foot putt at the Masters, 1975

“They say ‘practice makes perfect.’ Of course it doesn’t. For the vast majority of golfers, it merely consolidates imperfection.”

“Playing golf is like learning a foreign language.”

“If you call on God to improve the results of a shot while it is still in motion, you are using an outside agency and subject to appropriate penalties under the rules of golf.”

These remarks display both humor and a conversational command over the language of the game.

Legacy & Recognition

• In 2017, Henry Longhurst was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

• He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1972.

• Honorary Life Member of the R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf Club) by 1977.

• His voice and commentary remain part of the lore of televised golf, especially in Masters highlights compilations.

• His books continue to be read by golf enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by the history and human side of the game.

• His style influenced subsequent generations of golf commentators, who often seek that balance of erudition, warmth, and accessibility.

Lessons & Inspirations

1. Blend expertise with humanity
   Longhurst showed how deep knowledge of a subject (golf) coupled with clear, compassionate communication can elevate rather than alienate an audience.

2. Value the quiet moments
   Not all great commentary is in the loudest shot-calls—some of the most memorable lines arise in moments of tension or reflection.

3. Cultivate a distinct voice
   He resisted jargon overload and maintained phrasing choices that reflected character, not trends.

4. Wear multiple hats well
   Longhurst moved among journalism, broadcasting, authorship, and politics—without sacrificing his identity as a golf man.

5. Legacy is both speech and silence
   His recordings live on; his choices about what to say—or not say—helped carve a legacy rooted in taste, reserve, and wit.