When you hear "father of golf" you probably think of a single person who kicked the sport off. The truth is a bit messier, but the name usually points to a Scotsman who shaped the game we love.
Golf started on the windswept links of Scotland in the 15th century. Back then it was a pastime for shepherds and nobles, played with simple clubs and a leather ball. By the 1700s the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (the R&A) was setting the first rules, and the sport was spreading across Britain.
Most historians name Old Tom Morris as the father of modern golf. Born in 1821, Tom grew up on a St Andrews farm, learning to play on the very courses he later designed. He won the first Open Championship in 1860 and went on to win it four more times. Beyond his playing skill, Tom built several iconic courses – the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal Troon, and the famous Carnoustie layout. His innovations, like the first standardized 18‑hole round, turned a loose pastime into an organized sport.
Another name that pops up is Willie Anderson, a four‑time Open winner who helped popularise golf in the United States. While he didn’t design courses like Tom, his success overseas earned him the “father of American golf” tag, showing how the title can shift by region.
If you’re looking for the earliest “father” figure, some credit James Ogilvie Fairlie. He was the founding member of the R&A and helped write the first set of rules in 1744. Fairlie’s work gave the sport a legal backbone, but his name isn’t as well‑known to casual fans.
So why does the label stick to Old Tom? He combined playing talent, course design, and rule‑making all in one lifetime. He also mentored his son, Young Tom Morris, who became a prodigy and kept the family name in the headlines. The Morris legacy is still visible on many courses you can walk today.
Want to see the “father’s” work for yourself? Head to St Andrews and walk the Old Course – you’ll notice the famous “double greens” and the iconic Swilcan Bridge, both part of Tom’s legacy. If you’re not in Scotland, many other clubs credit Tom’s design principles, so a quick Google search of “Old Tom Morris courses” will show you where his influence lives.
Understanding who the father of golf is helps you appreciate the game’s heritage. It’s not just a title; it’s a reminder that golf grew from a handful of local players into a global sport because of a few key visionaries.
Next time you tee off, think about the man who decided a round should be 18 holes, who laid out the greens you’re playing on, and who helped turn golf into the sport we all enjoy. That legacy is what makes the “father of golf” more than a name – it’s a story you can feel with every swing.
Ever wondered who actually deserves the title of the father of golf? This article walks you through the true origins, the people behind the legend, and the real impact they've left on modern golf courses. Find out why so many point to Old Tom Morris, and how his designs shaped what you see on fairways today. Stick around for stories, myths, and surprising extras on the game's early days. If you've stepped on a green, this will make you look at it in a whole new way.