1865 British Open Winner and Scores

The 1865 British Open was the sixth one played. Andrew Strath became the first golfer other than Tom Morris Sr. and Willie Park Sr. to win the Open.

Winner: Andrew Strath, 162

Where it was played: Prestwick Golf Club, Ayrshire, Scotland

Tournament dates: Sept. 14, 1865

Leader after first round: Andrew Strath, 55

Leader after second round: Willie Park Sr., 108

Notable Notes: The first five British Opens were split between Old Tom Morris (three wins) and Willie Park Sr. (two wins). Finally, someone else won an Open - Andrew Strath, who shot 53 in the final round to overtake Park.

The tournament was played over the 12-hole links at Prestwick, three rounds in one day. ... This was the first year that Tom Morris Jr. — better-known today as Young Tom Morris — played the Open. He withdrew following the second round. Twelve playered entered, but only eight finished the tournament.

This was the first Open in which official scorecards were printed and used. Previously, markers wrote down score on whatever paper they had handy, even if it was just a scrap of paper. Strath's winning scorecard is today on display in the Prestwick clubhouse.

Final Scores

Andrew Strath 55-54-53—162
Willie Park Sr. 56-52-56—164
William Dow 56-61-54—171
Bob Kirk 64-54-54—172
Tom Morris Sr. 57-61-58—176
a-William Doleman 62-57-60—179
a-James Miller 63-58-66—187
Tom Hood 66-66-66—198

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