1887: Prestwick

Willie Campbell had been runner-up the year before but now, as assistant at Prestwick to Charles Hunter, he was strongly fancied on his home course. All went well on the first round. He finished with a 77 and a four shot lead over Archie Simpson and Bob Martin.

Willie Park and Willie Fernie were the group behind Campbell. Park had gone out in 37 and was level with Bob Martin and three behind Campbell. Park had got another stroke back and had a three at the 16th. Willie Campbell’s drive caught the fairway bunker (still known as Campbell’s Grave) and, opting not to play backwards out of it, took five to escape its clutches and a nine for the hole. He got one back on Park’s two fives at the closing holes but his chance was gone and Bob Martin edged him for second place also.