29 Facts About Walter Lindrum

Walter Lindrum was one of the most successful players ever seen in billiards, with 57 world records to his credit, some of which still stand.

Lindrum's grandfather, Frederick William Lindrum I, was Australia's first World Professional Billiards Champion having defeated Britain's John Roberts Sr in 1869.

Walter's father, Frederick William Lindrum II, was an Australian Billiards Champion at the age of 20.

Walter Lindrum passed over public matches to coach the two of us.

Walter Lindrum helped further my passion for both winning and the sport, and she's truly an inspiration to me.

Walter Lindrum himself was born on 29 August 1898 in the Western Australian mining town of Kalgoorlie.

Walter Lindrum lost the tip of his index finger on his right hand in an accident in 1901, and his father taught him to play billiards left-handed.

Walter Lindrum was dying at this time and died soon after.

Walter Lindrum married a third time in July 1956, to Beryl Elaine, nee Carr, who survived him.

Walter Lindrum published his instructional book, Billiards, in 1930 [first printed date in book].

On 7 December 1929, Walter Lindrum made a world record break of 3,262.

Smith, McConachy and Walter Lindrum departed Australia in September 1929 for a tour of England.

Between 1929 and 1933 Walter Lindrum dominated the English billiards scene.

On 19 February 1931, Walter Lindrum gave a billiards exhibition for the King and other members of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.

Walter Lindrum won the World Professional Billiards Championship in 1933 and 1934, and held it until his retirement in 1950.

Walter Lindrum's challengers were the New Zealand Champion, Clark McConachy, and United Kingdom Champion, Joe Davis, with Davis finishing runner-up.

Walter Lindrum won this title, but in subsequent years the title became dormant for lack of challengers, until Walter Lindrum relinquished it upon retirement.

Walter Lindrum is showing you everything the beautiful game can show.

Walter Lindrum was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1951, and an Officer of the order in the 1958 New Year Honours list.

Walter Lindrum occupied the table for 2 hours 55 minutes, for about 1,900 consecutive scoring shots.

Walter Lindrum holds the record break for each country that he played in, the fastest century break and 1011 points in 30 minutes.

In 1933 on a tour to South Africa, Walter Lindrum claimed a new world record for fast scoring when he completed 1,000 points in 28 minutes in Johannesburg.

On 30 July 1960, at the age of 61, Walter Lindrum suddenly became ill and died while on holiday in Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

Walter Lindrum's body was returned to Melbourne, and he was given a state funeral attended by 1,500 people.

Walter Lindrum was buried at Melbourne General Cemetery, with champion cyclist Sir Hubert Opperman raising the funds for a distinctive monument consisting of a billiards table, complete with balls and cue; more than fifty years after his death the site reportedly remains the most visited grave in this substantial cemetery.

In 2023, it was reported by the Australian Financial Review that Walter Lindrum's family "continues to squabble about who owns real estate and valuable memorabilia for three generations after his death".

In 1981, Walter Lindrum was honoured on a postage stamp issued by Australia Post, which featured a caricature of him by famed artist Tony Rafty.

Walter Lindrum was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Western Australia Sporting Hall of Champions in 1985.

Walter Lindrum is generally regarded as one of the all-time great Australian sporting heroes, along with the likes of Donald Bradman, Heather McKay, Margaret Court, Haydn Bunton, Sr.