The British Open: The 10 best players from each era
By Bill Felber
British Open: The 36-hole era (1875-91)
When the Open was created, it was played in three rounds over the 12-hole Prestwick course. And even when course length was standardized at 18 holes, the Open continued to be contested through 1891 as a 36-hole event run on a single day.
Top 10 Players From The 36-Hole Era.
1. Bob Ferguson, -1.42
2. Bob Martin, -0.90
3. Willie Fernie, -0.83
4. Willie Park Jr., -0.77
5. Archie Simpson, -0.75
6. Jamie Anderson, -0.65
7. David Brown, -0.61
8. Willie Campbell, -0.61
9. David Ayton, -0.47
10. Jack Kirkaldy, -0.43
Ferguson, Anderson, and Martin are the dominant figures of this era, and all three are historically under-rated.
Between 1876 and 1885 that trio won eight of the 10 contested championships. Martin complimented his 1876 and 1885 wins with second-place finishes in 1875 and 1887, plus four other top 5s.
Anderson took three straight between 1877 and 1879, did not defend in 1880, then returned in 1881 and was runner-up to Ferguson. The latter, a St. Andrews native who learned the game by watching the Morrises, won three straight from 1880 through 1882 and was second to Fernie in 1883.
Willie Park Jr. completed his family’s run of championships by winning in 1887 and again in 1889, nearly three decades after his father won the inaugural event.