Robert Simpson (golfer)

Robert Simpson (20 February 1862 – 1 May 1923) was a Scottish professional golfer, golf course architect, and club maker who played in the early 20th century. The Simpsons Golf Shop, at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, was founded in 1883 and remains the second oldest golf shop in the world. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest club makers of all time.

For the golfer who played in the United States in the early 1900s, see Bobby Simpson (golfer).

Robert Simpson
Simpson, c. 1900
Personal information
Born(1862-02-20)20 February 1862
Elie, Scotland
Died1 May 1923(1923-05-01) (aged 61)[1]
Carnoustie, Scotland
Sporting nationality Scotland
Career
StatusProfessional
Best results in major championships
Masters TournamentDNP
PGA ChampionshipDNP
U.S. OpenDNP
The Open ChampionshipT4: 1885

Early life
Simpson golf shop, c. 1890

Simpson was born in Elie, Scotland, in 1862.[2] A club maker by trade, he apprenticed at age 16 in Elie under the direction of George Forrester whose club making business was located near the golf course in Elie. Simpson later worked under master club maker Robert Forgan in St. Andrews. He held the post of head professional at Carnoustie from 1891 to 1898.[3]

He had five brothers who were all accomplished golfers: Jack, who won the 1884 Open Championship; and Archie, who emigrated to the United States, who was a goler with eight top-10 finishes in the Open Championship.[3] Simpson, was a famous club-maker at Carnoustie, and never left Scotland.

Golf career

Golf course architecture

Simpson was the co-designer, along with his brother Archie, of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club course. He also assisted Old Tom Morris in a re-design of the links at Carnoustie.[2]

Death and legacy

Simpson died in 1923 in Carnoustie, Scotland.[2][4] He was renowned for his fine hand-made "bulger" woods.[3]

Personal life

Simpson was elected to Carnoustie Town Council in 1909, serving in a variety of positions until his death.[1]

References
  1. "Death of Prominent Carnoustie Golfer". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 1 May 1923.
  2. "Robert Simpson (1862-1923)". SimpsonsGolfShop.co.uk. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  3. "Clubmakers: Robert Simpson (Carnoustie)". AntiqueGolfScotland.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  4. "Simpson's of Scotland". JonnyWilliamson.com. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
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