As the excitement builds for the Olympic golf events scheduled to take place at Le Golf National’s Albatros Course in Paris, the legacy of St. Louis’ own Albert Bond Lambert is being remembered. The competitions, featuring 60 male and 60 female golfers in separate four-round stroke play tournaments, will kick off on Wednesday and Thursday, showcasing some of the best talents in the sport.
Team USA will be represented by prominent players including Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and Collin Morikawa for the men’s tournament. On the women’s side, Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Rose Zhang will aim for Olympic glory. This marks a significant moment in Olympic history as Paris 2024 is only the fifth time golf has been included in the Olympic Games.
Golf made its Olympic debut back in 1900, and St. Louis played a pivotal role in the sport’s early Olympic journey. The 1904 Olympics, held in St. Louis, were significant as they not only showcased the city but also highlighted the contributions of local sports figures like Albert Bond Lambert, who was instrumental in ensuring golf remained part of the Olympic program.
Born on December 6, 1875, Albert Bond Lambert was the son of Jordan W. Lambert, founder of the Lambert Pharmaceutical Company, which famously marketed the surgical antiseptic Listerine. After a brief stint at the University of Virginia, Lambert returned to St. Louis in 1896 to take over his father’s company at just 21 years old.
Lambert’s passion for golf led him to compete in the 1900 Olympics held in Paris, where he participated in the men’s tournament that featured 22 competitors from four different countries. The men’s tournament took place on October 2, 1900, with the women’s event following the next day. Although Lambert won the men’s handicap competition, it was classified as a non-Olympic event. He finished eighth overall in the men’s championship, marking a notable achievement in his early golfing career.
Following his Olympic experience, Lambert, alongside his father-in-law George McGrew, founded Glen Echo Country Club in 1901. When St. Louis was awarded the 1904 Summer Games, coinciding with the World’s Fair, Lambert and McGrew were determined to keep golf on the Olympic agenda. They successfully persuaded Olympic officials to host the golf events at their newly established club.
In the 1904 Summer Games, the men’s golf tournament welcomed 75 players from the United States and Canada. The competition spanned seven days, beginning with a 36-hole stroke play qualifying round, followed by five rounds of match play. Lambert showcased his skills, advancing to the quarterfinals before being defeated by George Seymour Lyon, the eventual gold medalist from Canada. However, Lambert’s performance earned him a silver medal as part of the second-place team representing the United States.
The 1904 Olympics were not only a sporting event but also a cultural milestone, coinciding with the St. Louis World’s Fair, which celebrated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. This event attracted millions of visitors and showcased various innovations and attractions, further embedding St. Louis into the fabric of American history.
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming Olympic golf tournaments, the contributions of Albert Bond Lambert remind us of the rich history and tradition of golf within the Olympic framework. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of golfers and sports enthusiasts alike.
With the competition set to begin, the eyes of the golfing world will be on the athletes as they strive for Olympic medals, while also paying homage to the pioneers of the sport like Lambert who helped pave the way for future generations.
