Locke had to survive a rules challenge, however, because of an incident on the 72nd green, and needed a beneficial ruling from the R&A to keep the trophy. On his last green, with a 3-stroke margin, Locke marked his ball, which was in the line of playing partner Bruce Crampton. To keep the marker from interfering with Crampton's putt, Locke placed his ballmarker one putter-head off the line.

And then he forgot to move his marker back to its proper location before putting out himself. The R&A tournament history states: "The error was not spotted at the time, but reported to R&A officials later. The Championship Committee quickly decided that with his three-shot lead and no advantage having been gained, the equity and spirit of the game dictated that he should not be disqualified."

The 1957 British Open was another one affected by war. This championship was originally scheduled for Muirfield, but was moved to St. Andrews after Britain, France and Israel attacked Egypt to re-open the Suez Canal, which Egypt had nationalized. The so-called Suez Crisis broked out in late 1956 and led to fuel shortages. The R&A decided a tournament at St. Andrews would be easier for players to get to, and so moved the 1957 British Open from the more-remote Muirfield.

The 1957 British Open was the site of Gary Player's second appearance in the tournament, and his first played at St. Andrews. He finished tied for 24th.