Lot # 16: 1875 Robert Ferguson (Open Champ 1880, 81, 82) Short Spoon

Starting Bid: $600.00

Bids: 11 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2023",
which ran from 4/5/2023 12:00 PM to
4/22/2023 8:00 PM



Robert Ferguson was once the best golfer in the world, winning the British Open three times in succession 1880, '81, and '82.  He would have won the Open Championship four times in a row if not for Willie Fernie, who beat him in a playoff in 1883. As many of the famous players did, Ferguson also made golf clubs, but it was never his primary focus. 

He learned the art of clubmaking in the late 1860s, and went on to run a small club and ball making business located at Musselburgh. According to Ferguson, this was during the 6 years prior to his winning the Open. Playing was Ferguson's passion.  With the decline of his play he spent more time working as a coach and caddie. This he did full time for the last 20 years of his life.  He was a quiet man, respected by all who knew him, and never wavered in his love for the game.

The c1875 Ferguson short spoon offered here is a terrific club in original condition.  There is a minor crack on the horn. It shows the club was used, but overall the club remains in fine condition.  The head measures 5 1/2" long by 1 7/8" wide with a 1" deep face.  The original 37 7/16" shaft still has its original sheepskin grip.

This auction offers a chance to own both a Ferguson and a Fernie club--pitted against each other yet once again, which one will win your eye?

For more on Ferguson, see TCA2 v1 p 92

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