Golfers mark legend's anniversary

Morris helped create the Open Championship and won it four times

About 100 golfers have gathered to mark the centenary of the death of one of the sport's most influential figures.

Old Tom Morris from St Andrews, Fife, was a player, club maker, green keeper and course designer. He helped set up the Open which he won four times.

He died in May 1908, when he sustained a fractured skull from falling down the stairs in the St Andrews New Golf Club.

Some participants of the Old Tom Morris Memorial Tournament will complete the

round in period costume.

Open winner

Morris is regarded as one of the most influential figures in golf and by the last two decades of the 19th Century was considered the most famous golfer alive.

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Golfers take part in the anniversary tournament

He is credited with designing and remodelling about 75 courses and became an institution in his home town of St Andrews.

Morris won the Open Championship in 1861, 1862, 1864 and 1867 and his advice was much sought after, according to the World Golf Hall of Fame in the USA.

In recent years, interest in memorabilia associated with Morris has shown a marked increase.

Postcards bearing his portrait have been reaching sums of £1,400 on internet auction sites, according to event organisers.

David Joy, who has portrayed "Old Tom" on stage and in film, said: "He was a true pioneer in the world of golf.

"He lived through the major transitions of the game, from the feather ball, the first Opens, the popularisation of the game, the introduction of inland courses and the establishment of the championships both amateur and professional."

A dinner will be held in the town to mark the day of his death, on 24 May.

Captain of the St Andrews New Golf Club, Charles Huldal, said: "This is a genuine St Andrews celebration of the life of Old Tom Morris and is a fitting tribute to him."