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Complete Major Championship History

Willie Fernie headshot

Willie Fernie

1 Major Championship • 90th All-Time

1 Wins
0 2nd Place
First Win Age
Last Win Age

Major Championship Wins

About Willie Fernie

Willie Fernie won 1 major championship during their career.

Career Highlights

  • 1883 Open Championship — Won at Musselburgh Links, defeating defending champion Bob Ferguson by one stroke in 36-hole playoff
  • Runner-up Finishes — Finished second at The Open four times (1882, 1884, 1890, 1891)
  • Royal Troon Professional — Served as club professional at Royal Troon for 37 years (1887-1924)
  • Golf Course Architecture — Designed notable courses including Turnberry's Ailsa Course and made alterations to St Andrews Old Course
  • Career Longevity — Competed at The Open Championship from 1873 to 1905, spanning over three decades

Did You Know?

  • Family Golf Legacy: Two of his sons, Tom and Harry, were also professional golfers — Tom finished fifth at the 1923 Open Championship at Troon
  • St Andrews Native: Born in St Andrews, Fernie designed or renovated over 30 golf courses throughout Scotland and England during his career
  • Final Days: His sons withdrew from 1924 Open qualifying at Royal Liverpool due to their father's illness, just months before his death