Background
Park was born in Wallyford, East Lothian, Scotland.
Park was born in Wallyford, East Lothian, Scotland.
Like some of the other early professional golfers, Park started out as a caddie. He later ran a golf equipment manufacturing business. Park, a tall, strong man, was a very long hitter and an excellent putter, but sometimes got into trouble through overly aggressive play.
He had surpassed the older Willie Dunn by age 20, and travelled to Street Andrews Links to play and learn that course.
Park further fuelled controversy through his aggressive self-promotion, but this did lead to increased interest in golf rivalries, more press coverage, and more matches and tournaments being set up, developing the professional game and increasing the incomes of players such as Park, Morris, and Robertson. The couple would have ten children.
Mungo"s victory came in 1874 and Willie, Junior. had two wins, in 1887 and 1889. Park died on 25 July 1903.
His other victories came in 1863, 1866 and 1875.
Wins (4)
Results timeline.
He was a 4-time winner of the Open Championship. He issued a public challenge in 1853 to Robertson, generally recognised as the best player, which was, however, not taken up. Custom of the time allowed the best player to refuse a challenge of this sort without damage to his reputation. Park"s brother Mungo and his son Willie, Junior. both also won the Open Championship. He is primarily best remembered as the winner of four Open Championships, including the inaugural event in 1860, when the field was just eight strong. Park was the co-holder of the record for most wins in the tournament until James Braid picked up his fifth win in 1910.
