On December 25 in golf history — 1854: Pioneering golf course architect Ida Dixon is born, plus 5 more moments from 1854–1982.
Ida Dixon was born in Philadelphia. She is regarded as the first female golf course architect in the United States, designing the 18-hole course at Springhaven Club in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, in 1904.
Tommy Morris Jr., a four-time Open champion and golf's first prodigy, died at St Andrews on Christmas Day 1875, just months after the deaths of his wife and child. He remains the youngest man to win The Open.
William Flynn, a leading figure of the Philadelphia School of golf design, was born this day. His work includes the redesign of Shinnecock Hills along with Cherry Hills and extensive work at Merion.
Danish-Australian golfer Mianne Bagger was born on Christmas Day. In 2004 she became the first openly transgender woman to play in a professional tournament and to earn Ladies European Tour eligibility.
French golfer Jean-Francois Lucquin was born this day. He won the 2008 Omega European Masters, defeating Rory McIlroy with a birdie on the second playoff hole for his first European Tour title.
American golfer Nicholas Thompson, who has competed on the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, was born on Christmas Day. He is the older brother of LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson.