OLD TOM MORRIS ~ A GOLFING TITAN
June 16, 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of the most iconic figures in the history of golf. ‘Old’ Tom Morris was a champion golfer and a pioneer in course design and of greenkeeping practices. His fame brought golf into the public eye. Framed by cap and beard, his face remains one of the most recognisable in our sport.
The year 1821 was a seminal one in the history of golf in St Andrews. It was the year James Cheape of Strathtyrum purchased the links for the golfers to prevent rabbit farmers taking over. And, on June 16, Tom Morris was born in a weaver’s cottage at the links-end of North Street.
From the outset, golf was a feature in Tom’s life. He was christened
