Bing Crosby on the Old Course at St Andrews in 1950.Bing Crosby on the Old Course at St Andrews in 1950.
Bing Crosby on the Old Course at St Andrews in 1950.

Scotland's Summer of Golf: Here are 23 pictures of action from the home of golf over half a century ago - including Bing Crosby on the Old Course

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 5th Jul 2022, 17:06 GMT
It’s a big year for golf in Scotland, with the finest players in the world set to be challenged by the country’s famous courses in the coming weeks.

First up is the Genesis Scottish Open, which starts later this week at the Renaissance Club, near North Berwick in East Lothian.

An impressive nine of the top 10 players in the world will be taking part, including world number one Scottie Scheffler and double major winners Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa.

Home favourite Robert MacIntyre will be taking part in his fourth consecutive Scottish Open, while Ryder Cup colleagues Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose are also likely to be popular with the galleries.

Then, just a week later, the Open Golf Championship comes to St Andrews, the home of golf, to mark the 150th anniversary of aguably the most prestigious golfing contest in the world.

To make the occasion, we’re raiding the archives for some fascinating pictures from over half a century ago – these ones from St Andrews.

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Bing Crosby on the Old Course at St Andrews in 1950.

. Star golfer

Bing Crosby on the Old Course at St Andrews in 1950. Photo: Stan Warburton

Photo Sales
World War II hero airman Captain Douglas Bader and Mr Ian Stewart at St Andrews for the Royal and Ancient Spring Medal in May 1963.

. War hero

World War II hero airman Captain Douglas Bader and Mr Ian Stewart at St Andrews for the Royal and Ancient Spring Medal in May 1963. Photo: Unknown

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Gordon Cosh and Ronnie Shade taking shelter at St Andrews in July 1965.

. Take shelter

Gordon Cosh and Ronnie Shade taking shelter at St Andrews in July 1965. Photo: Unknown

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Eric Brown drives at the Martini International tournament held at St Andrews in May 1962.

. Teeing off

Eric Brown drives at the Martini International tournament held at St Andrews in May 1962. Photo: Unknown

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American golfing legend Bobby Jones with the British Amateur Championship golf trophy at St Andrews in 1930.

. Up for the cup

American golfing legend Bobby Jones with the British Amateur Championship golf trophy at St Andrews in 1930. Photo: Unknown

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Tony Lema being presented with the Open Golf Trophy at St Andrews in 1964.

. Champion golfer

Tony Lema being presented with the Open Golf Trophy at St Andrews in 1964. Photo: Unknown

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Tony Lema is cheered by the crowds after winning the 1964 Open Championship in St Andrews.

. Three cheers

Tony Lema is cheered by the crowds after winning the 1964 Open Championship in St Andrews. Photo: Unknown

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Peter Thomson presents winner Bobby Locke with the Claret Jug at the 1957 Open Championship in St Andrews.

21. Trophy presentation

Peter Thomson presents winner Bobby Locke with the Claret Jug at the 1957 Open Championship in St Andrews. Photo: Unknown

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Bing Crosby playing St Andrews in May 1950.

22. Attracting the crowds

Bing Crosby playing St Andrews in May 1950. Photo: Unknown

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American golfing legend Bobby Jones receives the Freedom of St Andrews in October 1958.

23. Freedom

American golfing legend Bobby Jones receives the Freedom of St Andrews in October 1958. Photo: Unknown