The Golfers - Golf's Greatest Artwork?

“The Golfers” by Charles Lees is perhaps the most iconic golf painting in the world. Our resident historian Dr Milton Wayne researches the remarkable story behind the image

Charles Lees, “Oil Sketch”

There are two preliminary oil sketches extant which show how the work developed from the Hill & Adamson photo and evolved as more elements were added. In addition, there are studies of many of the characters (now in the R&A collection), and a full length drawing of Allan Robertson. Once the painting was completed, one of the preeminent engravers of the day, Charles E. Wagstaff, was engaged to create the artwork and the subsequent prints were a huge success for Hill.

The painting shows a tension filled moment from a match featuring Sir David Baird and Sir Ralph Anstruther competing with Major Hugh Lyon Playfair and John Campbell of Glensaddell. Baird has left his chip hanging on the edge of the hole, and Playfair has just putted and his ball is dead on line. But will it drop?

With the exception of Anstruther, all were gold medal winning, outstanding golfers of the day. In addition, Baird was R&A captain in 1843 and Playfair became captain in 1856. Indeed, Playfair was instrumental in dramatically improving the town and links of St Andrews and making it the golf mecca it became and remains to this day.

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Click here to see the published article.