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Golf Timeline Homepage
1851
Born this Year: Young Tom Morris
1854
The clubhouse opens at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
1856
Royal Curragh becomes the first golf club established in Ireland.
Royal Curragh becomes the first golf club established in Ireland.
The Pau golf club in France is the first golf club established in continental Europe.
A rule change is enacted that, in match play, the ball must be played as it lies or the hole be conceded.
1857
A book entitled "The Golfing Manual by a Keen Hand," written by Henry Farnie, is the first-published golf instructional book.
A book entitled "The Golfing Manual by a Keen Hand," written by Henry Farnie, is the first-published golf instructional book.
1858
St. Andrews issues new rules for its members, and Rule 1 states, "one round of the Links or 18 holes is reckoned a match unless otherwise stipulated." This encourages other courses to convert to or be built to 18 holes in length.
St. Andrews issues new rules for its members, and Rule 1 states, "one round of the Links or 18 holes is reckoned a match unless otherwise stipulated." This encourages other courses to convert to or be built to 18 holes in length.
The "Grand National Tournament" is played in Britain, the first national amateur championship and precursor to the British Amateur.
Allan Robertson shoots 79 on the Old Course at St. Andrews, the first person to break 80 on the course.
1859
Died this year: Allan Robertson (considered golf's first professional)
Died this year: Allan Robertson (considered golf's first professional)
1860
Willie Park wins the first British Open Golf Championship, played at Prestwick Golf Club. Eight players are entered and play three rounds of 12 holes each.
Willie Park wins the first British Open Golf Championship, played at Prestwick Golf Club. Eight players are entered and play three rounds of 12 holes each.
Men's Major Championship Winners
British Open: Willie Park
