Overview
James Kinnell (1876 – 22 April 1918) was a Scottish professional golfer who played in the late 19th and early 20th century. Kinnell had five top-10 finishes in the Open Championship. His best performance came in the 1905 Open Championship when he finished in fourth place. He served as the head professional at the Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club in Prestwick, Scotland. His brother David, also a professional golfer, worked at the club as well. Kinnell was killed in action in France on 22 April 1918 during World War I.
Early life
Kinnell was born in 1876 in Leven, Fife, Scotland, to James Kinnell and his wife Janet. He became a licensed golf professional at North Berwick in 1894.
1905 Open Championship
The 1905 Open Championship was held 7–9 June at the Old Course at St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Scottish linksman James Braid won the Championship for the second time, by five strokes from runners-up Rowland Jones and J.H. Taylor.
Details of play
All entries played 18 holes on the first two days with all those within 14 strokes of the leader making the cut and playing 36 holes on the final day. Strong winds and hard ground conditions made scoring difficult on all three days and there were but just a scant few rounds under 80. Sandy Herd, Taylor and Harry Vardon led after the first round with scores of 80. Scoring was slightly better on the second day with Jones's 77 giving him the lead on 158. He was followed by Braid on 159 and Kinnell and Arnaud Massy on 161. Just 45 players made the cut of 172. Only one amateur, John Graham Jr., was able to survive the cut. Kinnell played steady golf despite having to deal with adverse playing conditions, particularly the blustery winds. On the final leaderboard he was in the fourth position and took home £10 as his share of the purse.
Death and legacy
Kinnell was killed in action in France on 22 April 1918 during World War I. He was a private in the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) 1st Battalion. He was buried in the Morbecque British Cemetery. He is best remembered as a consistent and steady performer in the Open Championship with five top-10 finishes and for military service to his country.
Results in major championships
Note: Kinnell played only in The Open Championship. WD = withdrew CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" indicates a tie for a place
Team appearances
*England–Scotland Professional Match (representing Scotland): 1903 (winners), 1904 (tie), 1905 (tie), 1906, 1907, 1910, 1912 (tie)