On the 30 June, 1833, the Scottish professional golfer, Willie Park Senior (1833-1903), was a born in Wallyford, East Lothian. Like most early professional golfers, Park started as a caddie, and later ran a golf equipment manufacturing business. He made his money on the course, from ‘challenge matches’ against the likes of Old Tom Morris, Wilie Dunn, and Allan Robertson.

A tall, powerfully strong man, Park was a very long hitter and an excellent putter, who from time to time but sometimes got into trouble through overly aggressive play.

At the age of 20, he journeyed to St Andrews to learn how to play the links there. In 1853 he issued a challenge to Allan Robertson, generally recognised as the best player at the time. This was not taken up since the custom of the day allowed the best player to refuse a challenge without damage to his reputation.

Park’s aggressive self-promotion fuelled controversy, which led to an increased interest in the game. Press coverage increased, and more matches and tournaments were set up, developing the professional game and increasing the income of the leading players.

He married Susanna Law in Inveresk in 1860, and the couple raised ten children. Park’s brother Mungo and his son Willie Junior, both won the Open Championship. Mungo’s victory came in 1874 and Willie Junior had two wins, in 1887 and 1889..

Park died in Musselburgh, in July 1903, and is best remembered as the winner of four Open Championships. Including the inaugural event in 1860 when he defeated Old Tom Morris by two strokes, in a field that was just eight strong. His other victories, all by a margin of two strokes,  came in 1863, when he beat Old Tom Morris again, 1866, beating Davie Park, and defeating Bob Martin in 1875.

Park was the co-holder of the record for most wins in the tournament until James Braid  notched up a fifth win in 1910.

30 June, 2019