Meet Allan Robertson
Before there were shiny trophies, TV cameras, or golfers in neon pants, there was Allan Robertson—the man many call the first professional golfer.
Born in 1815 in St. Andrews, Robertson came from a long line of golf ball makers. His family’s specialty was the feathery ball—leather stuffed with goose feathers. (Imagine plucking a goose for your weekend four-ball. Not quite as simple as ordering a dozen Pro V1s.)
His balls were so good that he stamped them simply with “ALLAN.” If you find one today, it’s worth more than your driver, irons, and putter combined.
The Man Who Never Lost
Robertson wasn’t just a ball maker. He was also the guy you didn’t want to bet against. Back then, golf was all about wagers, and Allan was the undisputed king.
Legend says he was never beaten in a money match. He’d even toy with opponents—letting them think they had a chance before closing the door on the final holes. (Basically the 19th-century version of “rope-a-dope.”)
In 1843, he beat Willie Dunn Sr. in a marathon match of 20 rounds over 10 days. No TV coverage, no scoreboards—just two men, a lot of hickory, and probably some sore feet.
And in 1858, just before his death, he shot a 79 on the Old Course—the first player ever to break 80 there.
Enter Old Tom Morris
One of the best parts of Robertson’s story is his partnership with a young apprentice named Tom Morris. The two met in 1835 when 14-year-old Tom walked into Allan’s shop asking for work. Robertson took him in, and together they became an unbeatable duo.
Allan on left
Playing side by side, they reportedly never lost a match. It was golf’s original buddy comedy—except with waistcoats instead of polos.
But like any good duo, they had a falling out. The culprit? The guttie ball—a cheaper, rubber-like ball that threatened Robertson’s feather-ball business. Morris saw the future and embraced it. Allan resisted. Their friendship fizzled, and Tom went on to become Old Tom Morris, course designer extraordinaire.
Even so, it was Robertson who gave him his start. Without Allan, there’s no Old Tom… and maybe no Young Tom either.
An Innovator in His Own Right
Robertson wasn’t just a player—he was an innovator. He’s credited with being among the first to swing an iron club for approach shots, shocking opponents with its accuracy.
He also helped redesign the Old Course, introducing its famous double greens. If you’ve ever stood on a green at St. Andrews and wondered why it’s roughly the size of Rhode Island, you can thank Allan.
In 1842, he and Morris also laid out ten holes at Carnoustie—a little project that eventually grew into one of the toughest courses on the planet.
The Legacy of a Champion
Sadly, Allan Robertson’s story ended too soon. In 1859, at just 44 years old, he died of jaundice. The Royal and Ancient called him Scotland’s champion golfer, and his grave still stands at St. Andrews Cathedral.
But his death left one burning question: if Allan was the best, who would take his place? To settle it, Prestwick Golf Club created a new competition in 1860. You might have heard of it—The Open Championship.
So, the next time you watch The Open, break 80, or even chunk an iron shot, remember Allan Robertson. He was golf’s first pro, the man who never lost a bet, and the reason we have the game we know today.
