George S. May

George S. May (June 5, 1890 — March 12, 1962) was an American businessman who became a hero to the game of golf.

Early career

After four years of college, George S. May had to cope with the fluctuating economy of the early 1900s. He worked as a freelance consultant on a variety of short-term jobs, and was later hired for full-time work, but was laid off when economic conditions slowed.

George S. May International Company

By 1924, with a wife and family to care for, George S. May sent out letters to Chicago businesses, highlighting his knowledge and experience as a business problem solver. He obtained a consulting assignment with Chicago Flexible Shaft Company, the precursor of the Sunbeam Corporation, and with that first job, on February 1, 1925, the George S. May International Company was born.

Involvement in Golf

George played a major role in popularizing the game of golf.

In the 1940s and 1950s he was the pre-eminent golf promoter in the world, staging a number of annual tournaments at his country club, Tam O'Shanter Golf Course, located in Niles, Illinois.

While George S. May was a golfer, he became more interested in the business behind the game, not just the playing of the game. Mr. May became known for his keen business insights, promotional flair, innovative ideas and vision for the future of golf.

From 1941 to 1958, May played host to the game's greatest players for the 10 days each year at his Tam O'Shanter Country Club in Niles, Ill.

Among his honors is the fact that George S. May is listed as one of Golf magazine's 100 Heroes of American Golf.

The book "Chicago Golf: The First 100 Years" by Tom Govedarica includes a chapter entitled: The George S. May Decade: 1951-1960.

Mr. May was inducted into the Illinois Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) Hall of Fame on October 9, 1992.

Among the firsts from the fertile mind and imagination of Mr. May were:(i) First live TV broadcast nationwide of a golf event.
(ii) Use of bleachers at key spots on the golf course.
(iii) Leader boards to show the scores of golfers.
(iv) Short-wave radio to update scores.
(v) Allowing ticket holders access to the clubhouse.
(vi) Introduction of golf carts for club members.
(vii) Monthly minimum dues for club members.
(viii) Installation of telephones at each tee for club members to use.

May is still lauded as one of golf's most preminent promoters.

Quote

From a 1940s interview :

"I don't believe too much in looking back. If you've done well, you're too inclined to become smug. If you've done poorly, you're inclined to become discouraged. Keep looking ahead - yesterday's done with - think about today and tomorrow." [1] "

-George S. May.

References

* George S May Bio [http://georgesmay.com/about_us_mr_george_s_may.cfm]
* George S May Company History [http://georgesmay.com/about_us_company_history.cfm]
* George and Golf [http://georgesmay.com/about_us_golf_history.cfm]
* Tam O'Shanter Page [http://www.niles-parks.org/content/templates/npd_cnt.asp?articleid=61&zoneid=4]
* America in Golf [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0810981238]