Roger McStravick

Probably the greatest athlete of all time.

One of St Andrews' most treasured sons, who died in the Boer War

The poise and elegance of Harry Vardon shown here. His belief that relaxation and a few simple principles being key to golf, is as relevant now as it was in the early 20th century.

First lady golfer? Em. No. Professor Neil Millar dispelled this myth in a brilliant article in the British Golf Collectors Society Through The Green magazine.

Every generation from the 16th century onwards has had their heroes and heroines. The Curtis Cup sisters inspired a generation of girls to believe they too could excel.

The brilliant Tommy Morris who won The Open three times from 1868 to 1870 and therefore got to keep the Champions' Belt. As there was no trophy, there was no Open in 1871. 1n 1872, he won it again. 

This is the person who invented the world's most popular grip - known as the Vardon grip. Harry Vardon popularised it in a way Laidlay never could. Ladilay did however win the Amateur Championship in 1889 and 1891. 

One of the finest golfers in the 19th century, Lady Margaret Scott won won the first three Ladies Amateur Championships in 1893, 1894 and 1895.

Five times Open Champion James Braid.

Issette Pearson was the founder of the Ladies Golf Union.

Note how close the beach is. The 18th fairway at its narrowest was around 80 yards wide before Hugh Lyon Playfair started his land reclamation project in the 1830s and 1840s. They took all the town's rubbish, dumped it on the beach and covered it with soil. The result - the 1st hole today.