Charlie, as suggested I attach my e-mail and attachment.
E-mail Charlie
That is an interesting question, however I don’t like comparing golfers or for that matter courses with later examples. I like to look at them within their own time period and concept behind the designs.
As for Young Tommy, all we can judge on are comments and his performance. The fact that from a young age he not just beat but destroyed the great names of the day, then went on to win four consecutive championships, for me confirms his standing and quality.
The best way to judge is to ask latter day heroes to use the gutta percha ball and hickory shafted club on a 568 yard hole and see if they can down it in 3. Also play TOC today again with gutty/hickory and see the result of their score cards. Of course you would have to allow each modern golfer to get to grips with the “New Technology” to them prior to taking up the challenge.
My feeling and knowledge of the courses at Prestwick & St Andrews, would move me to say that even Tiger would have a hard time. For me the real interesting question is could Young Tommy master today’s technology and the improved conditions of the courses (including the cut of the greens/fairways) and get close to the best of today. I think we would be very much surprised, but alas we will never know.
I attach my short reply to your question under the Title ‘Young Tommy, The First Modern Golfer’.
AttachmentYoung Tommy MorrisThe First of the Modern Golfers Young Tom entered his first Open in 1865 at the age of 14, however he lost interest and gave up after 24 of the 36 holes. Interesting point being that Young Tom was one stroke ahead of his father Old Tom when he decided that he had better things to do on that day.
Young Tommy was a natural, well by the definition as we view it today. His swing was quick and wristy. He was reported to be able to break the club head from the shaft when waggling the club as he addressed the ball. Tommy’s strength was conveyed through to his ability of hitting the ball hard and harder still for increased length. His game was open and he enjoyed the lofty shot to the pin. His game certainly seemed not to accept any conventions and through this, he developed a variety of shots never seen before. One famous being the ‘jigger’ (pitch & run) which has been much used by many not just on our links courses ever since.
The Rev. N Proudfoot wrote of Young Tommy and his swing
“Tommy was the embodiment of masterful energy every muscle of his well-knit frame seemed summoned into service. He stood well back from the ball, and with dashing, pressing, forceful style of driving, which seldom failed, sent it whizzing on its far and sure flight”
His Game and how consistent was he. I expect it is best explained by his happiness not only to accept challenges but would go out and actually issue them himself. He was unlike the other golfers who relied upon just the pot or bets, Young Tommy required a fixed agreed fee above and beyond any pot or betting revenue that he might also make. This approach changed the professional game and has been with it ever since his day.
The magic of Young Tommy was his ability to understand the game and course, to know when it was right to take the risk, to play his various shots correctly and when to incorporate caution. His great strength on driving and his devastating skill at putting, for me makes him the first of what I consider the Complete Modern Golfer.
As for his game itself, lets look quickly at one of his challenge to Willie Park the then Champion post tournament match of 3 rounds for the sum of £5. Young Tommy still a teenager beat the Champion by 8 up with 7 still to play.
Bob Fergison late in his life said about Young Tommy, “He was the greatest player in the world and the finest golfer he had ever played against.
Young Tom Morris played golf in his normal manner, to win or to try to win. I do not believe it varied, on the day he did his best.
That was one of the things I was taught by my own father and great uncle, they expect no more that my best, whether I win or lose. In a friendly game the name of that game is friendship and winning is of no importance just the enjoyment of the game of golf itself.
The book Tommy’s Honour by Kevin is enjoyable, and then the current book on the life of Old Tom “Tom Morris of St Andrews The Colossus of Golf 1821-1908” has a section on Young Tommy.
I hope I have answered your question, yet I expect I may have raised more in the process.
Melvyn
The Morrow Golfing Shirt Crest used by my brother & I.