Willie Dunn Sr
Name:
William "Willie" Dunn SrCountry:
ScotlandLived:
[1821-1878]. Born on Aug 19, 1821 in Musselburgh, East lothian. Died on Feb 14, 1878 at Millhill, Inveresk, nr Musselburgh (aged 56).Original/Home Club:
Musselburgh Links (Old course)Occupation:
Professional golfer, greenkeeper, club & ball maker, golf instructor.Turned Pro:
c.1840Website:
https://www.northberwick.org.uk/dunn.htmlPlayed in many challenge matches between 1840 and 1865. Came seventh in the second Open Championship in 1861.
Willie Dunn (Sr) is best remembered as a leading golf professional, greenkeeper, club and ball maker, and most notably, head of a famous golfing family. After serving an apprenticeship to John Gourlay, ball maker of Musselburgh in East Lothian, Willie Dunn and his twin brother James ("Jamie") played in many challenge matches between 1840 and 1860. The Dunns (and Parks) from Musselburgh, frequently pitted their skills against the might of St Andrews, most notably the Morris's and Allan Robertson. In 1843, Willie Dunn and Allan Robertson played a 20-round Grand Challenge match over 10 days, to establish who was the top golfer of that time; Robertson came out the winner.
Willie Dunn became the greenkeeper, club maker and professional at Royal Blackheath GC in London from 1851 until 1864 when he returned to the Thistle GC at Leith Links, nr Edinburgh. His club and ball-making business was located in his house, Primrose Cottage, Lochend, Leith. Willie Dunn Snr remained at Leith Links for ten years before returning to North Berwick.
The Dunn golfing dynasty continued on with Willie Dunn's two sons: Tom learned his trade as a club maker as an apprentice to his father, while Willie Jr trained under his brother Tom (who was 15 years older than Willie Jr). Tom's children included Seymour Dunn, John Duncan Dunn and Isabella May Gourlay Dunn ("Queenie"), all of whom had distinguished careers in golf course design, club making and golf instruction. Willie Jr's son, Norman, was also an accomplished golfer.
Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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