1861 British Open: Old Tom's First
While the Civil War was starting in America, the British Open was played for the second time in Scotland. Golfers played three rounds at Prestwick, a 12-hole links.
Winner: Old Tom Morris, 163
Where it was played: Prestwick Golf Club, Ayrshire, Scotland
Tournament dates: Sept. 26, 1861
Leaders after first round: Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Sr., 54
Leader after second round: Willie Park Sr., 108
Notable Notes: Only 17 golfers started the tournament, and only 12 completed all three rounds and returned a score. Amateur golfers were allowed to play in the Open from this point forward.
Old Tom Morris won the first of his four British Open championships by four strokes over the 1860 British Open winner, Willie Park Sr. Park led by two entering the final round, but Morris shot 53 to Park's 59.
Final Scores
| Tom Morris Sr. | 54-56-53—163 |
| Willie Park Sr. | 54-54-59—167 |
| William Dow | 59-58-54—171 |
| David Park | 58-57-57—172 |
| Robert Andrew | 58-61-56—175 |
| P. McEwan Sr. | 56-60-62—178 |
| Willie Dunn Sr. | 61-59-60—180 |
| a-J.O. Fairlie | 184 |
| George Brown | 60-65-60—185 |
| a-Robert Chambers Jr. | 187 |
| James Dunn | 63-62-63—188 |
| Charlie Hunter | 67-64-59—190 |
