David Ayton Sr. (25 May 1857 – 30 January 1931) was a Scottish professional golfer who played in the late 19th century. He had three top-10 finishes in the Open Championship. He was the son of William Ayton, one of the eleven founders of St Andrews Golf Club in about 1843.
Early life Ayton was born on 25 May 1857 in St Andrews, Scotland, to William Ayton, one of the eleven founders of St Andrews Golf Club circa 1843.
Golf career He was at the peak of his playing form in the 1880s with his best performance, a third place, in the 1885 Open Championship held at the Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland, finishing two strokes behind the winner Bob Martin. He is best remembered for an event that never took place. Various sources (including his obituary in the Dundee Courier) refer to him taking 11 at the "Road hole" (the 17th) but a contemporary newspaper report gives his scores there as 6 and 7. He also had top-10 finishes in the 1882 and 1888 Open Championships.
Family His sons David Jr., Laurie Sr., George and Alex were all professional golfers, as was his grandson Laurie Jr.
Death and legacy Ayton died in St Andrews, Scotland, on 30 January 1931. He is best remembered for a fine third-place finish in the 1885 Open Championship and for reputedly taking an 11 on the Road hole (#17) on the Old Course which, in fact, never happened.
Results in The Open Championship Tournament18731874187518761877187818791880188118821883188418851886188718881889189018911892189318941895The Open ChampionshipT17?T11T73T129T17T24WD Note: Ayton played only in The Open Championship.
WD = Withdrew ? = Competed, finish unknown "T" indicates a tie for a place
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