Allan Robertson


1815 - 1859

The first great golf professional. Born in St. Andrews, into a family of golfers, caddies and equipment manufacturers, Robertson became the leading golfer in the 1840s and was the first to score less than 80 on the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Robertson was also regarded as the premier golf-club and ball manufacturer of his time. He took on 'Old' Tom Morris (1821 - 1908) as an apprentice and the pair worked together for several years. Together they designed the Carnoustie Championship Course, which opened in 1842. They disagreed over the introduction of the superior 'guttie' ball, Robertson preferring the old feather-filled variety, which proved disastrous for his business.

He died relatively young, but was held in such respect that the Royal and Ancient Club organised a collection to support his widow. Robertson was voted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.


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