Lesson 2: Young Tom Morris: The First Great Champion
Young Tom Morris — son of the legendary Old Tom Morris — is perhaps the most remarkable player in the history of The Open Championship. He won four consecutive Opens from 1868 to 1872, a record that has never been matched.
Young Tom achieved this at astonishing ages: he won his first Open at 17, his second at 18, his third at 19. By the time he was 21 he had won four times.
After winning three consecutive Opens, the Challenge Belt was permanently given to Young Tom to keep — ending that trophy. The R&A had to commission a new one. The Claret Jug was introduced in 1873 and has been awarded ever since.
Tragically, Young Tom Morris died in December 1875 at just 24 years old, only months after his wife died in childbirth. Golf lost what might have been its first true superstar at a devastating young age. His record of four consecutive Opens stands to this day.
Young Tom Morris won four consecutive Opens (1868-1872), including his first at age 17. His record of four consecutive wins has never been broken.
Young Tom Morris won his first Open at age 17. You are likely between 9 and 12 right now. What would your life need to look like to become a major champion at 17? What does his story make you think about talent, hard work, and opportunity?
Research Young Tom Morris’s four Open Championship victories. For each one, find the winning score, the course, and any notable story from that year. Write a short biography paragraph of Young Tom Morris — no more than 200 words — that captures both his greatness and the tragedy of his early death.