This week marks some of the key events to have shaped modern professional golf, as well as some title wins for iconic golfers. Read on to find out what happened in Golf History between the 14th and 18th of October…
14th October 1881 – British Open Men’s Golf won by Bob Ferguson
Previous winner Bob Ferguson retained his title with a 3-stroke win over Jamie Anderson, overcoming the adverse weather conditions that hit Prestwick Golf Course that day. This success for Musselburgh-born Ferguson would be continued with a win the following year, completing a hat trick of title wins at the British Men’s Open.
14th October 1916 – 1st PGA Championship Men’s Golf
Held at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York, the victory at this inaugural championship was awarded to pioneering English golfer Jim Barnes, who defeated Jock Hutchison by 1 hole in the 36-hole final. This would be one of 9 majors to be won by Barnes, who was one of the leading figures throughout the early years of professional golf in the United States.
15th October 1961 – LPGA Championship Women’s Golf won by Mickey Wright
Golfer Mickey Wright took home a convincing 9-stroke win against co-founder of the LPGA, Louise Suggs, at this championship final held at Stardust Country Club, Illinois. This marked the 3rd LPGA title win for Wright, who would go on to win a total of 13 major championships and 82 LPGA Tour career events, as well as being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1964.
16th October 1983 – Ryder Cup win goes to US, 14½ – 13½
A missed 3-foot putt for bogey from Scottish golfer Bernard Gallacher secured the 2 & 1 win for American Tom Watson, and the winning point for the Ryder Cup US team. This tournament, held at the PGA National Golf Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, marked the 25th Anniversary of the competition between Europe and the United States.
17th October 1860 – 1st British Open Men’s Golf
Held at the magnificent Prestwick Golf Course, the first ever British Open saw Willie Park Sr secure the win over fellow Scot Tom Morris Sr by 2 strokes. Originally entering the world of golf through caddy work, Wallyford-born Park would go on to win the Open another 3 times and would be the co-holder of the record for most wins in the tournament until James Braid picked up his fifth win in 1910
If you’re feeling inspired by some of these iconic moments, why not visit one of the key sites where professional golfing competitions first began?
Our Golf in the East & West of Scotland package will take you to the historic Prestwick Golf Club, where you can experience the same course played on by Willie Park Sr and many more renowned golfers. If you’re looking for a golfing holiday with a difference, be sure to get in contact with us today to find out more about this fantastic package.
