Old Tom to Spieth’s renewal: 18 golden and grim moments from 150 years of Open drama

The world’s oldest major has thrown up some miracles and meltdowns, writes Ewen Murray. And is it time for a reappraisal of Jean van de Velde?

IN THE DRINK: Jean Van De Velde of France looks at his ball in the burn on the 18th hole during the 1999 Open at Carnoustie 

1. Old Tom hits the first shot (1860)

Allan Robertson was the champion golfer of his age, his status in the 1840s and 1850s unofficial but widely accepted. Top players from all across Scotland came to take a swing at the king, in challenge matches funded by wealthy lairds and businessmen, but nobody beat him in singles. When jaundice did for him in 1859, the champion-golfer void needed to be filled. Prestwick Golf Club invited the best players to play for a Challenge Belt (the Claret Jug wasn’t struck until 1872) and Robertson’s protege, Tom Morris, was favourite to win the inaugural 1860 Open Championship. He had the honour of taking the Open’s first shot, but Wille Park Sr pipped him by two over the 12 holes of Prestwick. No matter: Old Tom went on to win four times, the last in 1867 aged 46, and he remains the oldest Open winner to this day.