Allan Robertson

Allan Robertson (11 September 1815 – 1 September 1859) was considered to be one of the first professional golfers and he was generally regarded as being the best golfer from 1843 onwards, even after the arrival of the Park and Morris families.

Robertson was also considered the premier ball and club maker of the time and exported his merchandise all over the world. It was a lucrative trade with an ever-increasing market. Today a Robertson ball carrying his stamp "Allan" is highly prized by collectors.

Assisted by Old Tom Morris, Robertson's first golf course design work was at Carnoustie which gradually evolved into one of the world's best courses. Robertson also significantly improved the Old Course at St Andrews which eventually led to the establishment of the course’s iconic huge double greens, virtually unique in Scotland.

The Open Championship in golf came about as a result of Robertson's death. Since he was recognized as the best player during much of his lifetime, golfers at Prestwick Golf Club formed competition in 1860, to decide who would succeed him as the "Champion Golfer."

Website: https://www.allanrobertson.com/#home