Jamie Anderson, Open Champion golfer in 1877-79. Photo is c. 1875.
We have received a request from British golf author and historian Roger McStravick to support his efforts to have a headstone raised on the grave site in St. Andrews of three-time Open Champion Jamie Anderson (1877, 78, 79). Roger is the author of St Andrews In the Footsteps of Old Tom Morris. The book contains a revealing portrait of Anderson who was troubled by alcohol addiction in later years, but who also was known as a good friend to many in St. Andrews.
Here is Roger’s letter:
After 3 years of liaising with Historic Scotland, I now have permission to have a headstone placed at the grave in St Andrews of three-time Open Champion Jamie Anderson and his father, Auld Daw. Jamie died in a poorhouse in Thornton in 1905 and no headstone was ever added. The local clubs have been very generous and I am now approaching private individuals for support, magazines for coverage, etc. I have just started fundraising for the £8,000 required, via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jamieanderson.
People may also send cheques to my home at Knockhill of Nydie House, St Andrews, KY16 9SL (payable to myself).
About the headstone
The headstone is an absolute replica, albeit larger, of the one Jamie himself picked for his own son David, who died aged 1. The stone will be as close to the Nydie stone that Jamie’s son’s headstone is made of. The two graves, side-by-side will look in keeping with one another – father and son. The writing on the headstone is deliberately meant to look as if penned in the early 20th century. Click here for a look at the stone’s design.
It is 140 years since Jamie won his first Open and hopefully we will celebrate his remarkable life with this headstone.
Thanks for considering his.
Best,
Roger McStravick
Author of: St Andrews In the Footsteps of Old Tom
WINNER – USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Book Award 2015
WINNER – British Golf Collectors’ Society Murdoch Medal
SHORTLISTED – Cross Sports Book Award 2016