Scotch College

Tom Crow - An outstanding sportsman

One of the most outstanding sportsmen ever to pass through Scotch, Thomas Leslie Crow (1942–1950, born 23 August 1931) excelled in any sport that he decided to play.

Beginning in the Junior School in 1942, he was in the Junior School First XI in 1943. on entering Senior School he set PS records on the cricket field that may never be bettered. He soon made his mark, playing in the First XI in 1947 when only 15 years of age. He played from 1947–50 and was Captain from 1948–50.

A fast left arm bowler, his performances with the ball were quite amazing, taking 134 wickets at an average of 10.45. In 1949 and 1950 he was awarded the coveted H. I. Cohen trophy. However his sporting prowess was not confined to the cricket field. He also represented the School in swimming in 1944 and 1945, was a member of the Football 1st XVIII in 1948, and 1949, and was Vice Captain in 1950. He was also a member of the aths team in 1950. Tom was thus a triple colour man, in the days when that in itself was a tremendous achievement.

Tom was appointed a School Probationer in 1948, a Prefect in 1949 and Captain of the School in 1950. His achievements in sport and his friendly, gentlemanly demeanour had a great influence on the entire School.

On leaving Scotch, Tom walked into the Collingwood District First XI and represented Victoria in Sheffield Shield cricket in 1952.

Even while excelling at all sports at Scotch, Tom had another great love – the game of golf – which would influence the rest of his life. He won club championships at Kingston Heath, Royal Melbourne and Royal Sydney. In open company he won the 1952 Victorian Close Championship, the 1956 Victorian Amateur Championship, and the 1957 Victorian Champion of Champions, setting a course record of 63 on Royal Melbourne’s West course. He represented Victoria in the state team, won the 1961 Australian Amateur Championship and represented Australia in the Eisenhower International Teams Championship in 1962 and 1964. Add to these feats three Riversdale Cups and the Sorrento Open and you can appreciate his incredible ability.

In 1973, Tom and his family moved to the USA where he founded Cobra Golf Inc., which would give him the opportunity to use his great skills as an innovative designer, ultimately to influence the manufacture of golf clubs worldwide.

This was recognised in 2003 when he was awarded the prestigious ‘Ernie Sabayrac Award’ of the United States Professional Golfers’ Association for ‘Life contribution to the Golf Industry’. Currently he has three grandsons attending Scotch.

‘Well played, tom, the boys are calling!’

Robert Wade