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

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