First Open Championship played at Prestwick Golf Club (1860)

The first Open Championship was held on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland. Organized by James Ogilvie Fairlie to determine the successor to Allan Robertson, the event featured eight professionals playing three rounds over a twelve-hole links course. Willie Park Sr. won by two shots over Old Tom Morris, earning the title of Champion Golfer of the Year.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The competition originated from discussions following the 1859 death of Allan Robertson, who had been considered the supreme golfer for twenty years. James Ogilvie Fairlie of Prestwick Golf Club established a tournament for professional golfers to identify the new champion. The event was structured as three trips over the course's twelve holes, totaling thirty-six holes played in a single day.

Competition. Eight leading professionals contested the championship, including Willie Park Sr. and Old Tom Morris. The pairings listed club affiliations for the eight players, including Musselburgh, Bruntsfield, Blackheath, Perth, St Andrews, and Prestwick St Nicholas. The tournament was initially restricted to professionals, with amateurs not permitted to compete until the following year. The winner was declared the Champion Golfer of the Year.

Outcome. Willie Park Sr. won the inaugural championship by two shots from Old Tom Morris. Park was subsequently recognized as the Champion Golfer of the Year. The victory marked the beginning of the Open Championship, which was originally held annually at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland.

People involved

Sources

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