Who Are The 50 Best Golfers in History?
47. Young Tom Morris
Young Tom was a prodigious golfer for his era, and, according to the tale, died of a broken heart not long after his wife died. The success of his father, Old Tom Morris, allowed him to attend good schools and meet nobility.
Young Tom’s name was the first one carved on the Claret Jug, after he retired the Championship belt by winning the British Open three times in a row. Morris won in 1868, 1869 and 1870. There was no championship in 1871, and he won again in 1872.
Young Tom won his first British Open at age 17, making him the youngest golfer ever to win the title. His father, Old Tom Morris, finished second that year. Young Tom and a friend of his, David Strath, were the first to ask for and get money in advance of participating in golf events, and this became the first instance of appearance money.
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