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Old Tom Morris is a legend within the golfing fraternity.

A man with a generous and gentle nature, immense talent and determination he was loved and admired by many people.

Both a player and a course designer he won no less than four Open Championships
between 1860 and 1867 - the latter being won at the age of 46.

His last competitive Open Championship was played at the age of 75
but even after this his enthusiasm and love for the game lived on.

At the birth of the Open Championship, whilst still a greenkeeper at Prestwick Golf Club
Old Tom Morris played his part in arranging this now famous Championship but one wonders if he realised
how important this competition was to become to golf and to those who participate in the competition each year.

Playing golf from an early age at St. Andrews his love of the game resulted in an apprenticeship at the age of eighteen
with Allan Robertson in the production of feathery balls. However, this meant that he had to leave St. Andrews.
Then came a career that was to sustain him for the rest of his life for in 1865 he returned to St. Andrews
and became greenkeeper of the Royal & Ancient Club, progressing to that Clubs professional
and remaining thus until his death in 1908 at the age of 87.

He was a man that understood and loved the game of golf.
Aware that if the game was to prosper more golf courses and competitions would be needed.
Hence his contribution was not just in playing but in designing new golf courses and helping to create competitions
- The Open Championship amongst them.

His legacy to golf is legendary not only for his own abilities but also as
the father of another outstanding and immortal golfer - Young Tom Morris.
Between them they won the Open Championship no less than eight times between 1861 and 1872.
No mean feat when you consider that in those days competitions were few on the ground
whilst the number of players was increasing rapidly.