Willie Auchterlonie - Golfer
Born in St Andrews in 1872, Willie Auchterlonie won the Open Golf Championship title at Prestwick at the age of just 21. He remains the second youngest Open Champion after Tom Morris jnr., but in 1893 that was to prove to be his only Open success.
Soon afterwards, he founded the famous club-making firm in his home town and to this day, there is still a golf shop called Auchterlonie's in St Andrews.
In 1902, his brother, Laurie Auchterlonie, won the US Open. Willie was honorary professional to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews from 1935 until his death in 1963.
During that time he officiated at the Centenary Open at St Andrews in 1960. Willie, who also was involved in golf course design, never played with more than seven clubs, believing that a golfer had to be master of the half, three-quarter and full shots with each club.
Return To Famous Scots
