John (Johnny) Joseph Farrell

Smiling Johnny prevailed at the 1928 US Open Championship despite Bobby Jones Jnr. breathing down his neck and an over-enthusiastic cinematographer intent on breaking his concentration at the final hurdle but his other claim to fame was as an habitiual winner of 'Best Dressed Golfer' and have the title of "best putter in the world".

Johnny's parents emigrated from County Laois (Queen's County) in 1892 and settled in New York. James Farrell, his father, hailed from Borris0in-Ossory while his mother, Katherine Breen, was from Paddock, Mountrath. Johnny visited Ireland in 1929 to play some exhibition matches and to visit the birthplace of his family.

Other Sources

Pathe News video of 1929 exhibition match at Hermitage - Johnny Farrell, Ed Dudley, J.D. MacCormack and Matt McDermott Click here.

Wikipedia: John Joseph Farrell