Ben Sayers

Ben Sayers (1856–1924) was among the most influential figures in golf’s formative era, a Scottish pioneer whose impact as player, architect, instructor, and clubmaker still resonates today. Born in Leith and raised in North Berwick, Sayers overcame his modest stature (just 5'3”) with uncommon strength and agility, originally training as an acrobat before immersing himself in golf. His competitive record was impressive—24 tournament victories and two runner-up finishes in The Open Championship—though he never claimed the Claret Jug.

As a revered teacher, Sayers mentored both royalty and champions, including Queen Alexandra and Dorothy Campbell, and coached Arnaud Massy to become the first overseas Open Champion. Sayers’ legacy as an architect is equally rich, with work spanning Scotland, Ireland, and beyond; leading layouts include the East Course at North Berwick, Craigielaw Links, and Adare Manor. His technical creativity shaped the evolution of equipment, from gutta-percha balls to the “Benny” putter—the first with a square handgrip—and his North Berwick factory established what remains the world’s oldest golf company.

Sayers remains a touchstone for Scottish golfing tradition—a craftsman, strategist, and innovator whose contributions bridged eras and ushered golf into modernity.