Allan Robertson

Allan Robertson
Personnel
Nation:	Scotland
Career data
Professional since:	circa 1840
Awards:	World Golf Hall of Fame (2001)

Allan Robertson (born September 11, 1815 in St Andrews , Scotland , † September 1, 1859 ) was one of the most famous golfers of the 19th century and also the first professional . He came from a family of golfers, caddies, and equipment manufacturers . Robertson is regarded as the best golfer from 1840 to 1845 - even after the Park and Morris families entered the golf scene.

Robertson was the first to score under 80 on the Old Course at St Andrews and was reportedly never beaten for cash - one of the most important sources of income for professional golfers at the time. He is said to have occasionally played under his abilities in order not to demotivate his partner (opponent). He played as a couple with Old Tom Morris , an equally legendary 19th century player, and both reportedly remained undefeated.

Together with Old Tom Morris he ran a factory for the production of golf balls. He exported his golf balls, which were very expensive at the time, all over the world. The manufacture was founded by his grandfather and was continued by his father until he finally inherited it. Today, golf balls with the Robertson stamp are very popular with collectors. The friendship with Morris broke up, however, when balls made of gutta-percha (also known as guttie balls ) were introduced. Robertson rejected the new and cheaper ball because he saw it as a competition to his traditional technology. Morris relied on the progressive guttie ball, which revolutionized golf, and founded his own manufacture. In the long run, the guttie ball prevailed and Robertson had to give up his business.

Robertson died in 1859 of complications from jaundice. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) issued a statement on his death and held an annual rally to benefit his widow. Robertson's portrait hangs in the R&A's gallery. The Open Championship was organized for the first time on October 17, 1860 by R&A under the impression of the death of Robertson in Prestwick and in his honor and is one of the four most important golf tournaments, the so-called "majors". The golf course in Carnoustie / Scotland was designed by Allan Robertson in 1850. In 2001 Allan Robertson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame , the greatest honor for a golfer.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Bradbeer, Richard; Morrison, Ian (2000): The Golf Handbook , Abbeydale Press, ISBN 1861470061

Web links

• Robertson in the World Golf Hall of Fame ( Memento from August 28, 2009 in the Internet Archive )