Old Tom and The Open

When the first Open was contested at Prestwick in 1860, the field comprised just eight players. This was partly because invitations had only been sent to 11 clubs and partly because no prize money was on offer, save for side wagers. In addition, many thought they stood little chance against Tom Morris and Willie Park. They were right.

There were 12 players when Tom won for the first time in 1861 and when he did so again by 13 strokes in 1862, many took it as confirmation he had truly taken on the mantle of best of the best, following the death of the great Allan Robertson in 1859.

The 1881 Open provided evidence of the grit and determination of Old Tom. Aged 60, he was one of only eight players to finish at Prestwick in gale-force winds and conditions so horrendous that nearly 200 fishermen lost their lives at sea on that day.

It was fitting the 1896 Open, Old Tom’s last start, witnessed the first success of another Open legend. Harry Vardon triumphed in a play-off over great rival J.H. Taylor at Muirfield that year and went on to win a record six Opens.