The First Overseas Winner of The Open Championship

The 1907 Open took place at Hoylake. Arnaud Massy and Walter Toogood were the first round leaders with 76 each in terrible weather. At the end of 36 holes, Massy held a one stroke lead over J.H. Taylor and Tom Ball. Tom Williamson and George Pulford were two behind. Harry Vardon was down the field, eight behind and James Braid was ten strokes off the lead.

In the third round, Taylor shot a 76 while Massy went around in 78 and the Englishman now led by one shot. In the final round, Taylor sliced his second shot at the 3rd hole into the long grass and he ended up with a seven, which cost him dearly. He reached the turn in 41 and came home in 39 for a total of 314. Massy’s 38 for the front nine took him into the lead and then, like Taylor, he came home in 39 for a total of 312. Massy became the first overseas player to win the Open.