The Lindrums' Legacy: Pioneers of Billiards and Snooker in Australia, Australian Billiards and Snooker Council (ABSC) Hall of Fame 2024
Today, we delve into the rich history of the Lindrum family, a name synonymous with excellence in billiards and snooker in Australia. From their humble beginnings to becoming the founding family of these sports in our country, the Lindrums' journey is one of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled success.
Origins and Early Years
Our story begins with Frederick Lindrum Sr. (Fred I), who arrived in South Australia in 1838. A skilled winemaker, he achieved notable acclaim by winning a gold medal for his wines, laying the foundation for the Lindrum family's legacy of excellence in competitive pursuits.
He later established a vineyard at Norwood and was a hotel keeper in Adelaide at Victor Harbour. In 1862 he was a billiard-saloon proprietor, and on the 17th of September 1865 in Adelaide, the day his son (Fred II) was born, he defeated the visiting world champion John Roberts senior (presumably in a handicap match). The Lindrum family’s association with billiards and snooker began here.
Transition to Billiards and Snooker
Fred II played billiards from his childhood. In 1886 he moved to Melbourne and the next year won the native-born Australian Championship. He quickly rose to prominence in the sport. His exceptional talent and dedication not only brought him numerous accolades but also paved the way for his sons to follow suit. He moved to Kalgoorlie and opened a billiard room before moving to Sydney and finally moving back to Melbourne in 1912, where he opened the billiards room at 317 Flinders Lane until his death in 1943. He passed over public matches to coach Walter and Fred, with Walter saying that his father was the greatest billiards player in the world, but only he and his brother Fred knew it.
Founding Family of Billiards and Snooker in Australia
The elder son (Fred III) was obviously his father's first choice. Left-handed, he was trained for convenience as a right-handed player. (Ironically, his brother, having injured his right hand, learnt a left-handed game). In Perth, where he helped his father to manage a billiards room, Fred won tournaments in 1904 and 1905 and the next year became Western Australian champion. He went on to win the Australian title in Sydney in 1908. The year 1911 saw the peak of his career when, in a successful defence against the English professional Tom Reece, he made breaks of 830, 840, and 1239—the last an Australian record. The most elegant of players, a great showman, after a disastrous English tour in 1911-12, never again looked like a world-class competitor. While technically retaining the Australian championship (until 1934), he was soon eclipsed by Walter.
The Rise of Walter Albert Lindrum a National and International Icon
Walter was probably driven to excel by his need to match or surpass his brother in his father's eyes: significantly, his assumption of a billiardist's career followed hot on the heels of Fred's failure. World War I, however, obscured his rise, and though after it he racked up major successes against English visitors, it was not until the 1929-30 season that he went to England and immediately won recognition as the best billiard player ever seen.
On this first tour Lindrum carried almost all before him, and made sixty-seven of what his nephew Horace was to call with perhaps understandable pique his 'highly scientific but somewhat mechanical thousands at billiards'. Tom Newman wrote in 1929: 'It is the greatest injustice you can do to Walter Lindrum to write him down as a “scoring machine”. Nothing could be more unlike him. He is showing you everything the game beautiful can show'.
Walter raised millions of pounds for charity throughout his life: Royal Melbourne Hospital Children’s fund, War Time charity Red Cross, The Alfred Hospital. More about his compelling life story here.
Walter's Nephew Horace Lindrum (Father of Tammy Lindrum)
Horace Lindrum (born Horace Norman William Morrell, 15 January 1912 – 20 June 1974) was an Australian professional player of snooker and English billiards. Lindrum won the 1952 World Snooker Championship, defeating New Zealander Clark McConachy. The tournament is disputed, as it had only two participants, and other players boycotted the event to play in the 1952 World Professional Match-play Championship. Lindrum won the Australian Professional Billiards Championship on multiple occasions, first winning the event in 1934.
Lindrum lived in Britain for long periods and played in the major British tournaments. From his arrival in Britain in 1935, he was regarded as the second-best player in the world, behind Joe Davis. Lindrum contested three World Snooker Championship finals against Davis, in 1936, 1937 and 1946, losing all three to Davis but coming close to beating him on several occasions.
During his life he raised funds for Guide dogs for the blind.
Dolly Lindrum May 13, 1922 – January 10th, 2019
Walter Lindrum, a true master of billiards, was forever remembered in the heart of his niece, Dolly Lindrum, who dedicated herself to keeping his legacy alive in Australian sports. Dolly was a passionate supporter of cue sports, frequently making donations and welcoming visitors to Walter’s billiard room at her Melbourne home. There, she became famous for her tea and Lamingtons, which guests were expected to finish before leaving.
Dolly was deeply devoted to Walter’s talent, often recounting stories of his remarkable skills and humility. Walter, who was invited to play for King George V, never sought fame, instead simply enjoying the game. Following his death, Dolly took charge of the family’s billiard business, later opening a new venue that became the Lindrum Hotel.
Admired for her charm and affection for animals, Dolly ensured that Walter’s memory lived on, preserving his legacy for generations to come. More on the enchanting Dolly Lindrum.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Lindrum family not only excelled in sports but also left an indelible mark on Australian culture. They were instrumental in popularising billiards and snooker, making these games accessible and enjoyable to people of all backgrounds.
Enduring Influence
Today, the Lindrum family's influence continues to resonate in the world of billiards and snooker. Their legacy lives on through:
- The Walter Lindrum Grant, supporting talents in the sport
- Annual tournaments and championships held in their honour
- The Walter Lindrum Collection, showcasing his historic achievements and memorabilia held at the MCG Sporting Museum
- Horace Lindrum Inducted into the NSW Hall of Fame
- Walter Lindrum inducted into the Hall of Fame and later upgraded to Legend status
- Walter Lindrum Website www.walterlindrum.org
- Publications by Andrew Ricketts
- Dolly Lindrum Trophy National Women’s Billiards
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lindrum family's journey from winemaking to becoming the founding family of billiards and snooker in Australia is a testament to passion, dedication, and sheer determination. Their achievements not only brought them personal success but also enriched the sporting landscape of our nation. Today, we celebrate their enduring legacy and the profound impact they've had on Australian sports history.
Credits
Tammy Lindrum would like to thank the people that made this historical induction possible.
- Rex Swaine - Vice President of Australian Billiards and Snooker Council (ABSC)
- The History and Archive sub-committee: Don Stewart, David Pitt, Tod Hall, Mike Peachey, Paul Cosgriff, John Orr, Peter Tankard
- And a special thank-you to Peter Tankard who stepped in on my behalf to present the story of the Lindrum Family being hailed as the founding family of Cue Sports in Australia