1864 / Prestwick

Tom Morris Snr won The Open for the third time in four years with his victory at Prestwick in 1864. It was the last year he was the greenkeeper at the Ayrshire course before returning to St Andrews.

He led after each round on the 12-hole links after he opened with a 54. Willie Park Snr, his great rival, was just one behind but had a disastrous 67 in the second round.

Morris added a 58, while Andrew Strath had a 57 to be one behind. A 55 in the final round sealed victory for Morris with a total of 167.

He won by two from Strath, who closed with a 56. It was the first time someone other than Park or Morris had finished in the top-two and Strath would become a new Champion the following year.

Park closed with a fine 55 to take fourth place, just behind Bob Andrew, with William Dow fifth and Willie Strath in sixth place.

For the first time there was a financial prize for the Champion with Morris collecting £6 to go with the Challenge Belt which he again held for the year.