Morris, Thomas

Thomas Morris , byname Old Tom, (born June 17/26, 1821, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland—died May 1908, St. Andrews), Scottish golfer who won the Open Championship (British Open) tournament four times.

Morris spent most of his life at St. Andrews as a professional player and greenskeeper (1863–1903). During his lifetime he became an almost legendary figure in golf, winning the Open in 1861, 1862, 1864, and 1867 and competing in that annual event continually from 1861 to 1896, when he was 75 years old. A noted golf architect and one of the first supporters of 18-hole courses, Morris developed more than 25 links, including courses at Muirfield and Prestwick in Scotland. He also founded a successful business that designed and sold golf clubs and balls. His son Thomas Morris, Jr., was also an accomplished golfer who won the Open four times as well.