Golf Timeline Homepage
1861
Rules of entry for the British Open are changed so that amateurs, in addition to professionals, can compete.
Born This Year
John Ball, 8-time British Amateur and 1-time British Open winner
Men's Major Championship Winners
British Open: Old Tom Morris
Born This Year
Walter Travis (3-time U.S. Amateur, 1-time British Amateur champ)
Men's Major Championship Winners
British Open: Old Tom Morris
Prize money is first awarded at the British Open, but only to the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers. The winner receives only the "championship belt" to keep for a year.
Born This Year
Rodman Wanamaker, department store owner instrumental in founding the PGA and namesake of the trophy awarded to the PGA Championship victor
Men's Major Championship Winners
British Open: Willie Park Sr.
Prize money - six pounds - is first awarded to the winner of the British Open.
Old Tom Morris is appointed "conservator" of the Old Course at St. Andrews. Morris built the 18th green in 1865 and added the current first hole in 1870.
Born This Year
Willie Park Jr., 1887 and 1889 British Open champ
Men's Major Championship Winners
British Open: Old Tom Morris
Men's Major Championship Winners
British Open: Andrew Strath
