Allan Robertson

Allan Robertson made his mark in golf before there existed any of today’s major championships. Born September 11, 1815, in St. Andrews, Scotland, Robertson’s path into golf was established by following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Both men served as caddies at the Old Course at St. Andrews and were accomplished feathery ball-makers. His father Davie was one of Scotland’s top players.

Allan learned the ball-making trade and eventually became known as one of the finest in Scotland. Old Tom Morris worked as an apprentice in Robertson’s shop. But it was his skill as a player that set Robertson apart, and he reigned over the game for nearly two decades. He was known to be practically unbeatable in challenge matches, either alone or with Morris as his partner. Robertson also contributed to golf as a caddie, inventor, keeper of the green and course designer. Among his credits are improvements to the Old Course and 10 holes at Carnoustie Golf Links.

Charles Blair Macdonald, a trailblazer in American golf, once said of Robertson, “Allan Robertson was the best-known golfer of his generation and generally thought to have been the greatest player of his day.”

Robertson died on September 1, 1859, in St. Andrews at age 43 after an attack of jaundice. His prowess as a golfer was so profound that his passing inspired golfers at Prestwick Golf Club to institute a competition to determine who would succeed Robertson as the best player or “Champion Golfer.” Thus was born The Open Championship.

A plaque in his honor was dedicated earlier this year at St. Andrews. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.