Known as the foremost pioneer of golf as we know it, “Old Tom” Morris was the first to tee off at the inaugural “Open Championship” (now known as the British Open).  Morris went on to win four of the next seven in 1861, 1862, 1864 and again in 1867. A true legend of the game, Morris was not only one of the best to play but he served as a greenkeeper, clubmaker, ball maker, instructor and he even dabbled in course design throughout his ultra-accomplished career. Fittingly, Old Tom would show his dedication to the game until his demise after falling down a flight of stairs at St. Andrews golf club just after the doors opened at the, now illustrious venue and just before his eighty-seventh birthday.

Morris’ led a relatively long live for the period and had a rare multi-decade career that brought fame and recognition on a global scale. Even so, autographed material from Morris is extremely scarce and images with his pen applied are virtually impossible to find. Featured here is one of the most extraordinary examples we have ever had the privilege of handling. The finely crafted art print pictures the aged golfer with bold 9/10 wonderful autographs by both the artist and subject in the wide lower margin.

This is an original photogravure print based upon an oil painting of Old Tom Morris by Sir George Reid (1841-1913) as commissioned by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in the fall of 1902. The  size 17.25x12.5" image stems from an edition of approximately fifty which were signed in pencil by Old Tom. This exact photogravure was set aside for the artist and signed in fountain pen in the lower margin by both Reid and Old Tom, one of two known to exist in this format. Above the image to the right is the printed legend "Copyright 1903, by the Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club St. Andrews Scotland. Printed in Berlin." Framed to a museum-quality 21x27". Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication. ***Third party shipping required. INQUIRE WITHIN.***

Estimate: $25,000+