James Ogilvie Fairlie | |
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Fairlie in a formal pose, c. 1862
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Personal information | |
Full name | James Ogilvie Fairlie |
Born |
Calcutta, West Bengal, India |
10 October 1809
Died | 5 December 1870 Symington, South Ayrshire, Scotland |
(aged 61)
Nationality | Scotland |
Spouse |
Anne Eliza MacLeod (m. 1840) Elizabeth C. Houison-Crauford |
Children | 9 |
Career | |
Status | Amateur |
Best results in major championships |
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Masters Tournament | DNP |
U.S. Open | DNP |
The Open Championship | 8th: 1861 |
PGA Championship | DNP |
James Ogilvie Fairlie (10 October 1809 – 5 December 1870) was a Scottish amateur golfer and aristocrat. Fairlie placed eighth in the 1861 Open Championship. He was a mentor to Old Tom Morris who named his son, James Ogilvie Fairlie Morris, after him. Fairlie was a founding member of Prestwick Golf Club in 1851.
Playing on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Fairlie won the Silver Cross Medal in 1849, 1854, and 1860. He won the Gold Medal (King's Medal) in 1857 and 1862.
Fairlie served as the captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and was the principal organizer of the first Open Championship held at Prestwick in 1860. Fairlie was a friend and frequent playing partner of the Earl of Eglinton, Archibald Montgomerie, who donated the "Challenge Belt" that was awarded to the Open Championship winner.
Fairlie was born in Calcutta, West Bengal, India, on 10 October 1809. He was the son of William Fairlie and Margaret Fairlie (née Ogilvie). He took to the links as a youngster and quickly became an accomplished golfer.
His father was a partner in the banking firm of Fairlie, Bonner & Co. which was subsequently renamed Hartwell, Innes, Clerk, Brazier & Co. In William Fairlie's last will and testatment dated 9 October 1823, he bequeathed to his son the sum of £19,000 which was his share of the residuary estate, money that would not be his to spend until reaching the age of 25.
In later life, as a result of his great wealth and social status, he name was often printed with the suffix "Esquire".