On the 7 August 1872, the Scottish professional golfer, ‘Willie’ Auchterlonie, was born in St Andrews, Fife. Willie won his only Open Championship in 1893, with a score of 78-81-81-82 – 322, defeating the amateur Johnny Laidlay by a two strokes.

At the age of 21, Willie became the second youngest Open Champion ever after Young Tom Morris.

In 23 years, Willie only ever played in the Open Championship,he competed 15 times in all, and finished in the top ten three times, including the one win to his credit. His brother, Laurie Auchterlonie won the US Open in 1902.

Willie Auchterlonie was an honorary professional at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for nearly a quarter of a century. He began his working life as an apprentice to the club makers R. Forgan & Son, and ran a club making business for most of his adult life, together with some golf course design..

There is still a golf shop called Auchterlonie’s in St Andrews.

Willie died in Kirkaldy in 1963 aged 90.

7 August, 2019