St
Andrews-based golf historian Roger McStravick has spoken about the joy
he had writing a book about a “forgotten hero” in the home of golf.
Allan
Robertson, a 19th century golfer, came from a golfing family who made
featherie balls from the 1500s in St Andrews. His father Davie became
the Champion Golfer in 1830 and held that title for five years.
In 1835, Davie was beaten by Tom Alexander of Musselburgh, but, in 1840,
Allan stepped up and defeated Alexander and then held the title
successfully for the next 19 years.
Largely written off as a caddie and little more, Robertson was, in fact,
a businessman, employer, featherie ballmaker, inventor, keeper of the
green and designer of golf courses.
His life has now been covered in McStravick’s new book, Allan Robertson of St Andrews, the King of Clubs, 1815-1859.
“It
was important to shine a light on this forgotten hero,” said
McStravick. “He should be talked about with the same reverential tones
as given to Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones.
“Allan was described by those who actually saw him play as a golfing
king. He brought a scientific approach to golf, studying the links, the
undulations of the greens and golf equipment.
“According
to 19th century author H T Peter, who watched him play some of his
greatest matches and who was a fan, Allan invented the lofted shot onto
the green in 1848, by creating what he called the frying pan, which was a
wedge of sorts.
“Until
then golf was a low running game. H T Peter described how children
would run behind the whin bushes and try to imitate Allan’s swing, much
like we did in our youth with Seve Ballesteros.
“Caddies
loitering outside Allan’s shop at Sandyhill beside the links, now
called Allan Villa, would do the same. He was a true Scottish hero and
hailed as such in his time.”
When Robertson died of jaundice of the liver the huge funeral was filled
with fans, friends and golfers of all classes, such was his popularity.
“I
am just glad that my friend, the late Bill Williams, started this
project before he passed,” added McStravick. “His daughter, Emma, asked
me in 2020 to take it on and I am so glad I did as all my impressions of
Allan were wrong and based on short paragraphs in books about Tom
Morris.
“Allan
was never the hero – until now. Allan was simply the Tiger of his day,
wearing a little red coat in his grand matches. With a new plaque,
thanks to the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, going up on Allan Villa in
the coming months to celebrate the 19-year reign as the Champion Golfer,
Allan Robertson, the King of Clubs and hero to many, will no longer be
forgotten.”
Allan Robertson of St Andrews, the King of Clubs, 1815-1859 is available at www.auldgreytoungolf.com for US/Canada and www.finegolfbooks.com for the rest of the world.
