Bob Pringle (golfer)

Bob Pringle (c. 1850 – c. 1906) was a Scottish professional golfer who played in the late 19th century. Pringle had four top-10 finishes in The Open Championship. His best performance was second place in the 1877 Open Championship.

Pringle was born in Scotland circa 1850. He learned golf by starting out as a caddie. Pringle was described as having an admirable swing, one that was technically correct and aesthetically pleasing to see. He was said to be a great stylist of the day, in the manner of Harry Vardon.

1877 Open Championship

Pringle's best result as a player came in the 1877 Open Championship held 6 April at Musselburgh Links, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland. Pringle played solid golf but Jamie Anderson won the Championship by two strokes. Pringle carded rounds of 44-38-40-40=162 and won £6.

Details of play

Davie Strath and Bob Ferguson played together but Strath had a disappointing 45 in the first round which left him well behind the leaders. Ferguson, too, began in disappointing fashion but managed to salvage a 40. William Brown led on 39 with Ferguson and Jamie Anderson on 40. After two rounds, three players were level on 80: Brown, Ferguson and William Cosgrove with Anderson and Pringle only two behind. Strath was five behind on 85.

Anderson carded a 37 in the third round while Ferguson could muster only a 40 and Davie Strath scored 38. Anderson now led on 119 with Ferguson on 120 and Strath on 123. In the final round Strath took a horrendous 9 at the second hole to drop out of contention. Ferguson also had a disappointing last round and Anderson's 41 was enough to give him the Championship.

Pringle died circa 1906. A "nervous affliction" affected one of his hands, ending his playing career. He died in poverty.

Note: Pringle played only in The Open Championship.

DNP = Did not play
? = played, finish unknown
"T" indicates a tie for a place
Yellow background for top-10