Bill Rogers wins at Royal St George's | The Open Official Film 1981

In 1981 The Open returned to Royal St George’s for the first time in 32 years after new road links had made Sandwich more accessible.

A new generation of professionals would get to know the links and it was one with no prior knowledge who triumphed.

Rogers almost missed his tee-time on the first day, but it had nothing to do with his unfamiliarity with the venue and everything to do with misreading the starting list.

He was on the practice putting green when journalist John Whitbread noticed he was in the wrong place and Rogers ran to the first tee just in time. Four rounds later, after playing the golf of his life, Rogers admitted it would have been a completely different story had Whitbread not intervened.

Keep in touch with us!

[salfordnick]

Brilliant, add the bond music just brilliant.... Not seen the 81 footage before (I'm 43) and boy langer and James looking so young... Rite, 82 upload next

[ernestclayton]

Great close! The 7th hole could've done him in, but he keeps making Birdie's and holds the Open Trophy! Cheers

[annefilippobertozzi]

Bill & Ben playing together with the same look could well be brothers...

[christopherfranklin]

Wonderful upload, Raymond was majestic at this time, Bernhard looks unbelievably young, James as churlish and petulant as ever and a fine victory for Bill Rogers.

[davewestner]

man, the GREENS are like shag carpet. Can you imagine hitting the ball that hard on greens today? The ball would wind up back on the tee box

[oldandletdown]

Amazing to see how the equipment has influenced the game …..if you look closely some of the balls weren’t even round 😅😅

[rheffner]

I am 75 and have watched major golf all my life. Who the heck is Bill Rogers?? lol. Looked him up. Never heard of him but good for him.

[kingy]

What a great upload, very good picture quality, very enjoyable, thanks very much.

[asdf]

Was Jack Nicklaus' first round 83 his worst ever score in his long and illustrious professional career? Amazing 17 shot differential between that 83 and his second round 66. Craig Stadler also shot a first round 83, but his second round of 68 wasn't enough to save him from the cut. Philip Clark and James Heggarty were disqualified after failing to sign their scorecards after the second round - they would have made the cut.

[brucefranklin]

Look at james cry his whole way around the place... its no wonder we beat his ryder team at brookline... attitude him, questionable

[thenumberquelve]

Bernhard Langer, contending in major championships from 1981 to 2016.