Willie Fernie

William Fernie (7 May 1855 - 24 June 1924) was a Scottish professional golfer and golf course architect from St Andrews, Scotland. Remarkably Fernie, who was the son of a caddy and one of five golfing brothers, won his first professional match at the age of fifteen.

During his playing career, Willie Fernie won the 1883 Open Championship at Musselburgh Links. The tournament was scheduled to last four rounds of the nine-hole course on a Friday in November. Fernie tied with defending champion Bob Ferguson, with both men shooting 158. The following day Fernie won a playoff by a single stroke. Fernie was also runner-up in 1882, 1884, 1890 and 1891

When George Strath left Royal Troon in 1887, Fernie took over as club professional and served for 37 years only retiring in January 1924, a few months before his death. As a golf course designer and contemporary of Old Tom Morris Fernie made alterations to the Old Course at St Andrews and Royal Troon. He also designed Turnberry's Ailsa (Old) and Arran (New) courses, Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, Appleby Golf Club, and Dumfries and County Golf Club as well as several other courses in England, Ireland, and Continental Europe.

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