About
Willie Fernie won the 1883 Open Championship in a dramatic playoff, becoming the man who stopped Bob Ferguson from winning his fourth consecutive Open—a record that would have equaled Young Tommy Morris.
Willie Fernie (1855–1924) was a distinguished Scottish professional golfer and influential golf course architect, renowned for his impact during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in St Andrews, Scotland, Fernie began his career as a club professional at Aldeburgh before making his mark in competitive golf, winning the 1883 Open Championship and finishing runner-up four times. He served as the club pro at Royal Troon for an extraordinary 37 years, shaping generations of golfers and innovating teaching methods, including pioneering indoor instruction. Fernie’s course design legacy is significant, making alterations to the Old Course at St Andrews, and creating layouts such as the original Ailsa course at Turnberry, Dundonald Links, Felixstowe Ferry, and Dumfries and County. His craftsmanship extended to clubmaking, with Fernie-made clubs still prized by collectors. His contribution to both playing and shaping the game ensures his place among golf’s great architects and champions.
