Ben Campbell (golfer)


Ben Campbell was a Scottish professional golfer who played in the late 19th century. Campbell had three top-10 finishes in The Open Championship. In the 1886 Open Championship he played fine golf, finishing alone in third place. The next year, in the 1887 Open Championship, he tied for tenth place.

Early life

Campbell was born in Scotland.

Golf career

1886 Open Championship

The 1886 Open Championship was held 5 November at the Musselburgh Links, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland. David Brown won by two strokes from Willie Campbell.

Details of play

The contest consisted of four rounds over the 9-hole course. There were 42 entries including seven amateurs. Horace Hutchinson and Johnny Laidlay were the two leading amateurs playing. Local Musselburgh professionals dominated the field, providing 19 of the professional entries.
Brown and John Lambert led after the first round, both scoring 38. Lambert and Willie Campbell led after two rounds on 78 with Brown on 79 with Willie Fernie and Campbell. Brown had an excellent 37 in the third round and took a one stroke lead over Willie Campbell. They both fared badly at the 3rd hole where Brown took 7 and Campbell took 8. Campbell was ahead in the final round until he took seven at the 5th, having been bunkered twice on the hole. Eventually Brown finished two ahead of Campbell, finishing with two threes to Campbell's two fours. Willie Park, Jr. finished strongly but his chances were ruined by taking 34 on the first six holes of his first round.

Death

Campbell's date of birth and date of death are unknown.

Results in The Open Championship

Note: Campbell played only in The Open Championship.
DNP = Did not play
CUT = missed the half-way cut
? = competed, finish unknown
"T" indicates a tie for a place
Yellow background for top-10