The British Golf Museum is celebrating the Anniversary of the 1st Amateur Championship in 1885 by opening its doors to the public for FREE on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April.

On 13th December 1884 the honorary secretary of Royal Liverpool, Thomas Potter, proposed the holding of an Amateur Championship. As the event was not open to all amateur players, but only to members of certain clubs, for a long time, it was thought the first Amateur was not held until 1886 when the competition was thrown open to all amateur players. However in 1922, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club recognised the 1885 match as the official first Amateur Championship and Allan F Macfie was given his rightful place as the first winner of this great championship.

Come along to the British Golf Museum and discover more about the fascinating history of the Amateur Championship. Amongst our fabulous items connected with the early years of the Amateur Championship, you can see medals won by John Laidlay, James Robb and Roger Wethered. There is also a display on one of the greatest amateur champions, Bobby Jones. And in our Art Gallery you will find the magnificent painting Medal Day St Andrews 1894. Try and spot the 7 amateur winners, including Laidlay and Macfie, in this who's who of golf in the 1890's. This will make the perfect break from playing golf!