In this evening, we delve into the life and times of Allan Robertson and Roger’s new book with the late Bill Williams about the St Andrews legend.
Allan Robertson was born in StAndrews in 1815, son of Champion Golfer Davie Robertson. Davie died in 1836, the year after he lost the title to Tom
Alexander of Musselburgh. Allan stepped up, defeated Alexander, and became the Champion Golfer in 1840. It was a title he would hold for the next 19 years.
With victory after victory, Allan became the feted ‘King of Clubs’.
Allan has been overshadowed by his apprentice Tom Morris, but in his day Allan reigned supreme. Kids following his matches would scurry behind gorse bushes to swing like Allan. Caddies waiting for a game by Allan’s golf parlour would do the same.
A photograph of Allan by Thomas Rodger adorned walls of friends, fans and golf clubs. Poets of the era would wax lyrical about him. Such was his fame.
He was revered by all classes for his unique scientific approach to the game, including analysing green undulations, clubs and the ball.
As a man of business, Allan employed Tom Morris, five years his younger, to help him make featherie balls. As playing partners, these close friends were never beaten.
In 1858, Allan played the golf of his life, shooting 79 on StAndrews links – the first to do so. The King was in his best form but sadly, in 1859, he took ill and died, aged only 43. His death led to the creation of the Open to find the new Champion Golfer.
History broadly forgot about Allan … until now.
His story is a remarkable one.
On the night we will discover who the real Allan Robertson was.
Roger McStravick is an award winning golf historian. His book St Andrews In The Footsteps of Old Tom Morris won both the USGA Herbert Warren Wind Book Award and the British Golf Collectors Society Murdoch Medal.
St Andrews - The Road War Papers won the USGA HWW Book Award for the second time for the 2020 book of the year.
His latest book is Allan Robertson of St Andrews, The King of Clubs, 1815-1859 by Roger and the late and much missed Bill Williams.
Held on the 30th September, National Sporting Heritage Day is an annual event to celebrate sporting heritage. The day is for everyone involved in sport and heritage who want to promote how sport can be used for inspiration and celebration. #NSHD2025
https://www.sportingheritage.org.uk/content/category/events/national-sporting-heritage-day
Doors will open from 6.30pm with the evening beginning at 7pm. Tea and coffee will be availiable on arrival.
You may also like the following events from The R&A World Golf Museum:
Also check out other
Sports events in St Andrews,
Workshops in St Andrews,
Arts events in St Andrews.
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