Tom Morris Jnr or Tiger?

[daveyboy17]

Hi all

Read an old golf world article the other day on Tom Morris Junior. He was the greatest golfer of his time winning 3 british opens in a row 1868,69,and 70 and again in 72 and having the first ever recorded hole in one at prestwick on the 8th. He is also responsible for us having that beautiful claret jug because of his hatrick he was allowed to keep the prize which was a chapionship belt.
He must have been unbelievanbly talented to have won 3 in a row especially with the equipment they had to use.
Whilst playing exhibition comps he recieved a telegram that his wife was sick, he hurried home and on his arrival found his wife and newborn baby dead. This broke the man and later that year on christams day he died, some believe to be alcohol!
Story really moved me!
He died at 24 with 3 years of his life mourning for his wife and baby and at the wrong end of a bottle.
4 Majors by the time he was 21, back in the time when there was no masters or pga to play in, with wooden shafts and no dimple balls.
What a talent and what a sad story , could this man have been the greatest golfer ever to have walked the earth?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Interesting story and one I didn't know about. I think we come back to generations again. Undoubtedly the best of his given his record but I cannot help think that maybe at that time and given golfs elitist standing the competition would have been limited (few if any overseas players).

On the other hand (and I'm not a huge fan of his) I think Tiger really is the best of all time. His domination has come at a time when there is more opportunities for others to play alongside him from every continent (not just playing a home field). The advances in technology also make it possible for others to play probably above their real talent (longer drives, spinning irons, u and V shape grooves, longer straighter flying balls etc) but despite this they are unable to regularly mount a real challenge to Tiger in major competitions.

 

[medwayjon]

A moving story indeed, I can't even contemplate where I would be if that happened to me, there was a crisis when Olivia was born but thanks to the medical staff at Medway Maritime Hospital I have a beautiful 1y/o girl and a lovely wife to be.

This and homers post have really made me feel a) grateful for what I have, and b) like a complete cock as I have been stropping this evening over a lack of punters today and if that is the least of my worries I should count myself lucky.

 

[daveyboy17]

 

[daveyboy17]

Struggling to get a picture to show fellas sorry for the waste of a post, any tips on how to show pics? read about him here got the facts of my post from here plus good picture of the championship belt lol all play well

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Morris,_Jr.

 

[RGuk]

Never knew this.....what a fascinating tale.

4 Opens in 5 years.....wow.

 

[Sam]

I think Tiger really is the best of all time. His domination has come at a time when there is more opportunities for others to play alongside him from every continent (not just playing a home field)

I think I agree! Suppose it comes down to what you mean by 'best'. Tom Jnr and many other golfers since could have had as much natural and raw talent as Tiger or maybe more but what puts him apart is the harnessing of that talent through determination, aggression and total self-belief.

 

[shanker]

Careful Sam. Tiger is a touchy subject on this forum. Going back to the OP, the old golf books are marvellous to read. I'd recommend them to anyone interested in the great game.

 

[daveyboy17]

I love the history of the game there are loads of great characters throughout the game and we should never forget them vardon jones hagen etc.

 

[golfcitydweller]

we have his old pocket watch in our history showcase in our golf club ...pricless