The King of Clubs
Allan Robertson of St Andrews, 1815-1859
Written by Roger McStravick , Bill Williams
£17.99
- Paperback
- E-Book
Reviews
A brilliant book by a fascinating partnership on one of the game's key early figures
The Scotsman
[A] fascinating newly-released golf book... sets the record straight about the many endearing qualities of a man recognised as the best golfer in Scotland, and therefore the world
Fife Sport and Fife Today
The most important golf history book in ages – the game’s first champion brought vividly to life
Stephen Proctor, Author of Monarch of the Green and The Long Golden Afternoon
Few figures in the history of golf have had such a profound impact yet remain shrouded in mystery. Allan Robertson, the ‘King of Clubs,’ has eluded the spotlight for over 165 years – until now. The authors' brilliantly researched and masterfully written book brings this golfing legend to life with captivating detail
Connor T. Lewis, The Society of Golf Historians and the TalkinGolf History Podcast
At last, thanks to this superb job of research and chronicling, golf's first superstar has the recognition he has long deserved
George Peper, Editor of Links Golf
About the Book
This is the story of Champion Golfer Allan Robertson (1815-1859).
Until now, Robertson’s role had been as a member of the supporting cast in the story of leading light Tom Morris. Between 1840 and 1859 the reality was Robertson shared centre stage. This biography puts Robertson in the spotlight and charts one of golf history’s great characters and most talented players. The press hailed Robertson as the King of Clubs and the King of Golf, such was his talent and success. Off the course, he worked closely with his second cousin Tom Morris after inviting him to join the business of producing featheries in the golf parlour in Sandyhill. The pair were also formidable playing partners, the invincibles. When the guttie ball arrived in the 1840s, Robertson thought his heritage and business was about to be ruined – and when Morris played with one, it was a betrayal that led to a temporary parting of ways.
They reunited to once again thrill crowds and dominate the sport, but in 1859, aged only 43 and at his sporting peak, Robertson died of jaundice. It was said to be the largest funeral ever seen in St Andrews. With new material about Robertson’s life, set against to the backdrop of an ever-evolving St Andrews, Royal and Ancient club and the links, this biography brings this engrossing life story to light.
He was to many who saw him play, the best golfer in the world and the true King of Clubs.
The Authors
Roger McStravick
Roger McStravick is a double winner of the USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Book Award (2015, 2020) and the British Golf Collectors Society (BGCS) Murdoch Medal. He is the author of several acclaimed books, and was editor of the BGCS magazine Through The Green.Roger has written for many global golf magazines and is frequently on-screen, including for The Golf Channel, and the films Loopers and The Greatest Golf Story Ever Told. An avid collector of rare books on St Andrews and Scotland, he lives locally with his wife and two children.
Bill Williams
Bill Williams was an author, golfer and historian. As a sports fan, history fascinated him since his school days. He split his time between Florida, where he could play golf year-round, and the Kingdom of Fife, where he could also play golf all year round. He was a proud member of the British Golf Collectors Society, the Golf Heritage Society in the USA and the Leith Rules Golf Society. He was also a member of The St Andrews Golf Club. He died in 2019.
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