Horace Lindrum

Horace Lindrum was born on 15th January 1912 and passed away on 20th June 1974.

Horace Lindrum was not just a name synonymous with snooker; he was a legend whose legacy shaped the sport. Born in Australia in 1912, Horace quickly emerged as a prodigious talent, dominating the snooker scene in the mid-20th century. His precision, strategic mind, and unmatched skill on the table earned him the title of World Champion in 1952, making him one of the first Australians to achieve such a prestigious accolade.

Horace’s journey to the top was filled with challenges, but his determination and passion for the game saw him rise above them all. He was renowned for his remarkable break-building ability, which often left spectators in awe as he orchestrated intricate sequences of shots that seemed to defy physics. His unique style and flair brought a new level of excitement to snooker, attracting fans and inspiring a generation of players.

While he basked in the glory of his sporting achievements, Horace’s heart was equally devoted to his family, especially his younger daughter, Tammy. Born several years after his championship win, Tammy was the light of his life. Horace was not just a champion on the snooker table; he was also a champion dad, always dedicating time to nurture and support her dreams.

Every Saturday morning, Horace would take Tammy to the local beach or to the races at Randwick, where they would share stories and enjoy each other's company. Tammy would always pester him to buy her a horse. Horace made it a point to teach her the values of hard work, perseverance, and humility. He often recounted tales of his own struggles in the world of snooker, emphasising that success was built on a foundation of dedication.

As Tammy grew older, her fascination with snooker blossomed, and while Horace tried desperately to teach her the fundamentals of the game, he eventually gave in and bought her first pony, recognising her passion for horses. Their sessions were filled with laughter, friendly competition, and occasional lessons on sportsmanship, which Tammy cherished as much as the time spent with her father. Horace always emphasised that winning wasn’t everything; it was the joy of playing, riding, competing, and improving that mattered most.

Tammy admired her father’s tenacity and grace under pressure, often sharing stories of how he faced high-stakes matches with unwavering calm. She would watch in awe as he executed complex shots and dreamed of one day becoming a historian, not just for snooker but for billiards as well. Tammy remembers her dad, Horace, as a person of integrity and kindness.

As the years went by, Horace continued to compete, but his focus shifted towards mentoring the younger generation. He became an icon at both the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Melbourne Show, where he amazed audiences with exhibitions of his incredible trick shots. He would pack out sessions that ran every couple of hours each day of the show. Tammy often joined him in these sessions, learning not only about snooker but also about the importance of giving back to the community.

In 1990, Horace Lindrum was posthumously awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to snooker, not just in Australia, but internationally. Although he had passed away in the early seventies and couldn’t be there to accept the honour, what resonated most deeply for Tammy was the thought of her dad finally being recognised for his lifetime of achievements.

Horace’s legacy extended far beyond the snooker table. He instilled in Tammy the values of love, dedication, and the importance of hard work. She grew up to be a confident young woman, carrying forward her father’s lessons in every endeavour she pursued, embodying the same principles that had guided him throughout his life.

Not many truly knew Horace, the man behind the legend.

Horace would often say, “The greatest achievement isn’t a championship title; it’s the love we share.” And in that love, he found his true victory.

Dad, you will forever live in my heart and in the stories I carry with me. Your love, your lessons, and your legacy are never forgotten. You are eternally admired, not just for what you achieved, but for the way you touched the lives of those who knew you.