Biographies
WILLIAM R. SELKIRK
WILLIAM R. SELKIRK.--Reared on the
links of one of Scotland’s well-known golf courses, it is but natural that
William R. Selkirk should occupy a foremost place as an instructor among the
devotees of golf; and he is known as the Sir Harry Lauder of California among
his many friends. A native of the land
of the heather, he was born at Musselborough, six
miles east of Edinburgh, on October 6, 1882, the youngest son of a family of
five children born to James and Margaret (Dickson) Selkirk. The father, who was keeper of the greens at Musselborough golf links, passed away in 1883, and his
widow passed through many a hard struggle in rearing her family. She was a woman of remarkable personality and
strength of character, and from her our subject inherited many of the winning
characteristics that have brought him success.
Mr.
Selkirk’s first remembrance of golf dates back to his fourth year, when he
first began to handle a club, although at that time he was nearly as broad as
he was long. At the age of ten he
started to work in the mines during the winter seasons, spending his summers on
the golf course; and his enthusiasm for the sport enabled him to make rapid
strides, so that at sixteen he entered his career as a professional golfer. He also took up his work as instructor and
continued in Scotland until 1906, when he came to California. Arriving in San Francisco at the time of the
great fire, he at first busied himself in reclamation work there and did his
part in the rebuilding of the city. The
following eight years were spent as instructor at Lincoln Park links there, and
he then came to Sacramento as instructor at the municipal links for two years.
In
1917, Mr. Selkirk was importuned to become instructor for the newly organized
Del Paso County Club, near Sacramento; and he has since continued with them,
enjoying an ever increasing popularity.
In 1920 he was called to the bedside of his mother in Scotland and was
away for five months, although it was not until two months after his return
that the sad news of her death came. On
the eve of his departure he received from members of the club a handsome
leather wallet and autographed script setting forth the high esteem in which he
was held personally, as well as for his splendid services; and on his return he
received an equally appreciative greeting.
His ability as a golf instructor is known throughout the Northwest, and
he holds the unique record of having given a complete set of thirty-six lessons
in golf instruction within a twenty-four-hour day, starting on the links at six
a. m., and completing on the indoor course at two, a. m. Mr. Selkirk is also an authority in the
laying out of golf courses. In 1922 he
completed several courses in northern California, as follows: For the Napa Club, Oroville Club, Marysville
Club, Davis Club, Red Bluff Club and Chico Club; and these stand out as the
most beautiful in that part of the state.
Transcribed by Donna L. Becker.
Source:
Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With
Biographical Sketches, Page 735.
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.
©
2007 Donna L. Becker.