Scottish golf prodigy Young Tom Morris was born - On this day in history

Tom was the son of 'Old Tom' (the two are pictured together here), who was himself a professional golfer. Young Tom learnt golf at the links of the Prestwick Golf Club, where his father was greenkeeper and at the age of seventeen, won his first Open Championship, the youngest ever player to do so.

He died on Christmas Day 1875 at the age of 24, just weeks after the death of his wife and new born baby.

Further reading

Tommy's Honour: The story of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris by Kevin Cook

Subscribe to History Scotland magazine today and receive your first 2 issues for just £2! Enjoy Scottish history at home and have your magazine delivered straight to your door while saving money. Click here to claim this offer.