Willie Campbell

Willie Campbell was a prominent Scottish golfer and early golf course architect, born in Musselburgh, East Lothian in 1862. He began his golfing life as a caddie for three-time Open champion Bob Ferguson and quickly developed a reputation for excellence in match play, defeating top players such as Willie Park and David Brown. Campbell played in five of the first six Open Championships, coming closest to victory with a runner-up finish in 1886. Transitioning to golf course design, he laid out important early courses such as Ranfurly Castle and The Machrie in Scotland. In 1894 he moved to the United States, becoming the first professional at The Country Club in Brookline, Boston, and played a key role in designing and expanding several landmark American courses, including Essex County Club and Franklin Park, the latter being the first municipal course in the US. Campbell is also remembered for revamping the layout at Myopia Hunt Club. Though his career was cut short by ill health, his foundational impact on American golf course architecture endures.