The early players: 1855-1970
Golfing Pioneers
St Andrews is not only blessed with an ancient University and tradition of golf; it also boasts some of the earliest photographers in the world. David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson began their experimentation with photography and soon thereafter Thomas Rodger opened the first photographic studio in St Andrews in 1849 (aged just 17).
Some of the earliest golf photography within the Special Collections Division is attributed to him. Thus St Andrews is lucky to have had some of the greatest early golfers captured on camera as displayed here. On this page, you will find images identifying to some of these players and their own special memories of St Andrews, many of them are household names, others less so. Their difference is that they created memories for many thousands of others at the same time.
1870: A studio portait of 'Young' Tom Morris, golf's first superstar and inextricably linke ot St Andrews.
1900: A studio portrait of 'Old' Tom Morris by St Andrews photographer John Fairweather. 'Old' Tom is pheraps the most identifiable person St Andrews has ever produced.
1927: Bobby Jones, 1927 Open Champion and almost certainly St Andrews' favourte adopted son.
1955: A smiling Peter Thompson holding up his ball after winning the 1955 Open Championship at St Andrews.
1957: Bobby Locke walking under a ladder around the back of the R&A Clubhouse during the 1957 Open Championship at St Andrews, which he went on to win.
1960: Arnold Palmer, Frank Stranahan and Gary Player marching down the first fairway during the 1960, Centenary Open Championship at St Andrews.
1970: Jack Nicklaus limbering up on the first tee during the 1970 Open Championship at St Andrews.