St Andrews Magazine Edition 04

As we celebrate the 175 th Anniversary of one of St Andrews’ prominent golf clubs we cannot
do so without honouring the contribution of perhaps the most significant individual in the
history of the game. Allan Robertson is known as the “World’s First Professional Golfer” and was
an influential early member and Captain of the club.
Arguably no golfer in history has had more impact in both life and death. In his forty-four years
on this planet he was instrumental in the success of Old Tom Morris – Morris served an
apprenticeship in Robertson’s shop from the age of 14. Robertson was the champion golfer of
his time, and almost 160 years ago he became the first player ever to break 80 on the Old
Course. He was also in part responsible for the launch of the worldwide golf industry, as the
premier ball and club maker of the era he exported his merchandise across the world.
Robertson was the undisputed champion of the time and following his death in 1859 it was
decided that a new champion should be crowned, and this is how The Open came to be.
12 golfers played three rounds of the 12 holes at Prestwick Golf Club in October 1860 for the
championship belt, won by Willie Park Sr. The next two Open Championships were won by Old
Tom Morris, Robertson’s former apprentice was now the best golfer in the world, and over the
first 12 years of the championship Old and Young Tom would win a combined 8 titles.