The Golf Courses of Old Tom Morris
ISBN: 0-9618291-3-3
Library of Congress: 94-73230
Pages: 352
Graphics: 47 black and white photos depict Morris courses in the 1890s and the 1990s
Binding: Hardbound. Cover in karakul green buggywhip, stamped in gold foil. Matching jade endsheets, colored headbands, supple opaque acid-free paper.
Limited edition: 1975 copies. Regular edition available. Each copied signed and numbered.
Leather-bound edition has sold out.
Published in 1995
Foreword: Donald Steel, international golf course architect, esteemed golf writer, and former amateur scratch player and Open competitor. “Old Tom Morris … was a monumental figure in the game, a man whose full significance was not appreciated until after his death in 1908. His influence certainly lingers.”
Preface: David Hamilton, golf historian and author, surgeon, and member of the R&A. “Bob Kroeger has wisely gone back to original sources for this study of Morris as a designer, and as usual when this is done, new material and insights have emerged in this excellent book.”
Highlights:
In 1865 he began his significant transformation of the Old Course – a links that most believe simply evolved from nature. Old Tom established the classic alternate route strategy employed by many early golf course arthitects who studied the Old Course at the turn of the century. These men, notably Harry Colt, Donald Ross, and Alister Mackenzie, spread Old Tom’s influence throughout the world.
“Maybe a man is known by the funeral he gets. Tom’s was the biggest funeral I ever saw in St. Andrews. The whole of South Street … was a cloud of people, and there were many wet eyes among us, for Old Tom was beloved by everybody.” Andra Kirkaldy in his book, Fifty Years of Golf: My Memories.
Reviews:
“Golfers of the world should feel indebted to Robert Kroeger for this fine production.” Alice and Pete Dye, golf course architects
“A most compleat examination of Old Tom as golf architect. A welcome addition to the literature of golf course design.” Ron Whitten, senior editor, architecture, Golf Digest
“Painstakingly researched and provides those of us who cherish the ancient origins of the game … with invaluable insight into how those marvels evolved.” Jim Dodson, author of Final Rounds and other award-winning golf books.
“I am sure the world of golf will be impressed by what Robert Kroeger has done to document all that Old Tom wrought.” Geoffrey Cornish, golf course architect and author of The Architects of Golf
“A monumental work.” Archie Baird, archivist, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield, Scotland
“A meticulously researched book.” Marshall Lewis, senior editor, Senior Golfer
Excerpt:
The Bridge of Allan Golf Club: This delightful nine hole course lies in the shelter of the Ochil Hills. Of all the courses Tom Morris deisgned, this is the best preserved in that the lay-out, length of holes, and greens are exactly the same as they were in 1895. Over the years, some sand bunkers have been added but the ancient stone walls and the fairy knowe, an ancient druid meeting place, are still intact. To be fair, players should use hickory shafts and the gutty ball to relive the bygone era here. However, to play this course, even with modern equipment, still takes the golfer back in time.
For information on purchase and shipping, please visit our ordering page.
ISBN: 0-9618291-3-3
Library of Congress: 94-73230
Pages: 352
Graphics: 47 black and white photos depict Morris courses in the 1890s and the 1990s
Binding: Hardbound. Cover in karakul green buggywhip, stamped in gold foil. Matching jade endsheets, colored headbands, supple opaque acid-free paper.
Limited edition: 1975 copies. Regular edition available. Each copied signed and numbered.
Leather-bound edition has sold out.
Published in 1995
Foreword: Donald Steel, international golf course architect, esteemed golf writer, and former amateur scratch player and Open competitor. “Old Tom Morris … was a monumental figure in the game, a man whose full significance was not appreciated until after his death in 1908. His influence certainly lingers.”
Preface: David Hamilton, golf historian and author, surgeon, and member of the R&A. “Bob Kroeger has wisely gone back to original sources for this study of Morris as a designer, and as usual when this is done, new material and insights have emerged in this excellent book.”
Highlights:
- The first in-depth study of golf course architecture of the 1800s.
- Descriptions of nearly 60 courses designed for altered by Old Tom.
- A chapter reviews Old Tom’s life, including the death of his Open champion son, his wife, and his entire family
- Numerous references
- Extensive bibliography
- Full index
- Chapter on the best 18 Morris holes, including hole diagrams
In 1865 he began his significant transformation of the Old Course – a links that most believe simply evolved from nature. Old Tom established the classic alternate route strategy employed by many early golf course arthitects who studied the Old Course at the turn of the century. These men, notably Harry Colt, Donald Ross, and Alister Mackenzie, spread Old Tom’s influence throughout the world.
“Maybe a man is known by the funeral he gets. Tom’s was the biggest funeral I ever saw in St. Andrews. The whole of South Street … was a cloud of people, and there were many wet eyes among us, for Old Tom was beloved by everybody.” Andra Kirkaldy in his book, Fifty Years of Golf: My Memories.
Reviews:
“Golfers of the world should feel indebted to Robert Kroeger for this fine production.” Alice and Pete Dye, golf course architects
“A most compleat examination of Old Tom as golf architect. A welcome addition to the literature of golf course design.” Ron Whitten, senior editor, architecture, Golf Digest
“Painstakingly researched and provides those of us who cherish the ancient origins of the game … with invaluable insight into how those marvels evolved.” Jim Dodson, author of Final Rounds and other award-winning golf books.
“I am sure the world of golf will be impressed by what Robert Kroeger has done to document all that Old Tom wrought.” Geoffrey Cornish, golf course architect and author of The Architects of Golf
“A monumental work.” Archie Baird, archivist, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield, Scotland
“A meticulously researched book.” Marshall Lewis, senior editor, Senior Golfer
Excerpt:
The Bridge of Allan Golf Club: This delightful nine hole course lies in the shelter of the Ochil Hills. Of all the courses Tom Morris deisgned, this is the best preserved in that the lay-out, length of holes, and greens are exactly the same as they were in 1895. Over the years, some sand bunkers have been added but the ancient stone walls and the fairy knowe, an ancient druid meeting place, are still intact. To be fair, players should use hickory shafts and the gutty ball to relive the bygone era here. However, to play this course, even with modern equipment, still takes the golfer back in time.
For information on purchase and shipping, please visit our ordering page.