Christo Lamprecht of South Africa fired a superb first round of 66 to lead in the early stages of the first round at the 151st Open Championship. The lofty, long-hitting youngster has a long way to go at Royal Liverpool but he’s off to an exceptional start. It’s 93 years since an amateur last won the championship, that was the brilliant Bobby Jones with the third of his victories in 1930. Here we consider the great amateur performances through the history of The Open Championship.
John Ball – 1890
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Since it had first been contested in 1860, The Open had been dominated by Scottish players. In fact, the first 29 instalments were won by Scots. John Ball of Royal Liverpool ended that run. He travelled to Prestwick in 1890 and won by three from Willie Fernie and Archie Simpson. Another English amateur – Horace Hutchison – finished in sixth place.
Harold Hilton – 1892 and 1897
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The first editor of Golf Monthly, Harold Hilton (like John Ball) was a member at Royal Liverpool. He won the 1892 championship at Muirfield by three shots from a trio of players that included his clubmate John Ball. He then won again in 1897 over his home track of Hoylake – on that occasion he beat the great Scottish professional James Braid.
Bobby Jones – 1926, 1927 and 1930
Bobby Jones being escorted by police at St Andrews
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The greatest ever amateur golfer Bobby Jones endured a challenging start to his relationship with The Open Championship. He famously came to grief in “Hill” bunker on the 11th at St Andrews in 1921. He took four to get out and tore up his card, much to the consternation of the locals. But he developed an affinity with, and understanding of the links and he won the championship at Royal Lytham in 1926, he defended his title at St Andrews the following year, winning by six and also winning the love of the St Andrean populace. He won a third championship at Royal Liverpool in 1930 – the year of his famous “Grand Slam.”
Roger Wethered – 1921
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At St Andrews in 1921, Roger Wethered, brother of the great lady amateur Joyce Wethered, lost out…
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