Andrew Strath black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: In memory of the late Andrew Strath (1836-1868). Professional golfer, winner of The Open Championship in 1865 and Keeper of the Green at Prestwick Golf Club. Within this church yard lies the final resting place of the late Andrew Strath, Professional at Prestwick Golf Club. he was born in St Andrews and began his working life as an apprentice to a clubmaker. He sometimes partnered Old Tom Morris in the challenge matches which were a feature of golf at that time. He was famous for the amount of backspin he could get on his iron shots. Andrew Strath won The Open Championship in 1865, becoming the only man to break the early domination of the event by Willie Park Snr, Old Tom Morris and his son Young Tom. he also finished third in 1863, second in 1864 and fourth in 1867. In 1865 he succeeded Old Tom Morris as keeper of the Green at Prestwick, but died of tuberculosis at the age of thirty-two.

Andrew Strath was a professional golfer who won The Open Championship in 1865, breaking the early dominance of the Morris family and Willie Park Snr; he is also remembered for his exceptional skill at imparting backspin on iron shots.