Willie Dow

Willie Dow
Dow at Leith Links on 17 May 1867
Personal information
Full name	William Dow
Born	c. 1839 Musselburgh, Scotland
Died	Date of death unknown Scotland
Nationality	Scotland
Career
Status	Professional
Best results in major championships
Masters Tournament	DNP
U.S. Open	DNP
The Open Championship	3rd: 1861, 1865
PGA Championship	DNP

William "Willie" Dow (born c. 1839) was a Scottish professional golfer. He had six top-10 finishes in the Open Championship. Dow placed third in both the 1861 and 1865 Open Championships.

Dow was born in Musselburgh, Scotland, circa 1839.

He served as professional at the Montrose Golf Club in Montrose, Angus, Scotland. In an 1889 sheriff's sale conducted by George Henry Thoms, sheriff of Orkney, a featherie golf ball made by Allan Robertson that Dow owned was subsequently donated to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. It is unclear whether Dow was already deceased at that time or had just forfeited property in the sale.

The 1861 Open Championship was a golf competition held at Prestwick Golf Club, Ayrshire, Scotland. It was the second Open Championship and the first to open to amateurs as well as professionals. Ten professionals and eight amateurs contested the event, with Old Tom Morris winning the championship by 4 shots from Willie Park, Sr. Dow finished in third place, carding rounds of 59-58-54=171.

The 1865 Open Championship was the sixth Open Championship and was held on 14 September at Prestwick Golf Club. Andrew Strath won the championship by two shots from Willie Park, Sr. There were 12 competitors. Dow finished in third place and posted rounds of 56-61-54=171. He won £4 in prize money.