Who Are The 50 Best Golfers in History?
46. Old Tom Morris
54-56-53=163; 52-55-56=163; 54-58-55=167; 58-54-58=170
Those were Old Tom Morris’ winning scores in the four British Opens he won between 1861, the second one ever contended, and 1867. Morris holds the record as the oldest winner of The Open Championship at age 46. But he was much more than a golfer.
Early in his career, he was an apprentice to Allan Robertson, considered the first ever golf professional. They had a falling out when Robertson discovered Morris was using the “new” gutta percha ball. Robertson had a big businesss in making featherie balls.
Morris went on to become the greens keeper and professional at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club for 39 years. He was also clubmaker, ballmaker, golf instructor and course designer. In 1868, he lost the championship to his son, Young Tom Morris. He still holds the record for being the oldest winner of the British Open at age 46. He held the largest victory margin in a major until Tiger Woods won the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 shots.
Next: No. 45 - Susi Berning