Tom Creavy was born in Tuckahoe, New York. The son of a carpenter and one of seven children, Creavy learned golf as a caddie and first worked as a professional at Bonie Briar in the Met Section. A fierce match play opponent, and somewhat a child prodigy, Creavy topped US Open champion Johnny Farrell in the quarterfinals of the Met PGA Championship at age 17 at Farrell’s home course, Quaker Ridge. He won the 1931 PGA Championship at Wannamoisett Country Club at age 20. He played in 11 major championships, including the inaugural Masters in 1934. Creavy was also the head professional at the Albany Country Club and Saratoga Spa. Creavy was also a respected teacher whose pupils later in his career included Tommy Aaron.