The "drive for five" was a race between the three members of the "Great Triumvirate" - Braid, J.H. Taylor and Harry Vardon. Vardon won his fourth Open title in 1903; Braid won his fourth in 1908; Taylor won his fourth in 1909.
Then Braid won again in 1910 to become the first 5-time winner of the British Open.
From 1894 through 1914, Braid, Taylor and Vardon won 16 of the 21 British Opens played. Braid was the last of the three to earn a victory, claiming his first in 1901. Braid added wins in 1905, 1906 and 1908, then added No. 5 in 1910.
Vardon won his fifth in 1911 and Taylor won his fifth in 1913.
In addition to Vardon and Taylor, other 4-time winners before Braid won No. 5 in 1910 were Old Tom Morris, Young Tom Morris and Willie Park Sr.
Back to British Open FAQ index
