Archie Simpson

1866 - 1955

Archibald "Archie" Simpson, born in 1866, was the youngest of the six golfing brothers from Elie-each a distinguished amateur golfer in their youth. They only turned professional after their brother Robert established a club-making shop in Carnoustie and enlisted their help. The Simpsons came of age during golf's pivotal transition from feathery balls to the gutty, a golden era for the sport. Archie began his career working for Robert before striking out on his own. He served as club professional at the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club (1890-1891), Prestwick Golf Club (1892-1893), and at Carnoustie Golf Links across several terms-1891-1892, 1893-1894, and again in 1921 after a decade in Detroit, Michigan. An accomplished golf course architect, Archie designed the Murcar Links course and also contributed to the layouts of Balgownie Golf Club, Nairn, and Cruden Bay Golf Club-the latter in collaboration with his cousin, James Braid. In 1922, he returned to the United States, where he designed the Vincennes Country Club course in Indiana and served as its professional. He later worked at Tam O'Shanter in Detroit, Clovernook Golf Club in Cincinnati, and at clubs in Illinois, ultimately retiring in Detroit, where he passed away in 1955. Though a gifted player, Archie never clinched the Open Championship, finishing runner-up twice-once losing to his own brother Jack. In 1887, he boldly challenged "any man in the world" to match play for £100. Willie Park Jr., the reigning Open Champion, accepted-and was defeated by eleven holes.

1 ITEM