# Golf’s Strangest Major Ended in Chaos

> Davie Strath’s 1876 Open Championship clash with rules and crowds left him disqualified from playoff, winning the title for Bob Martin.
- Title: Golf’s Strangest Major Ended in Chaos · EssentiallySports
- Summary: Davie Strath’s 1876 Open Championship clash with rules and crowds left him disqualified from playoff, winning the title for Bob Martin. Davie Strath was…
- Keywords: davie strath, open championship, bob martin, st andrews, golf, rules dispute, playoff, sports, Strangest, Major, Ended, Chaos
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/golf-news-golfs-strangest-major-ever-ended-in-chaos-as-davie-strath-chased-an-elusive-open-title
- Author: Sneha Mary Abraham
- Published: 2026-10-17T16:25:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: davie strath, open championship, bob martin, st andrews, golf, rules dispute, playoff, sports
## 1876 Open Championship
The 16th Open Championship was held at St Andrews on September 30, 1876.
## Davie Strath’s Background
Davie Strath, born in St Andrews in 1849, gave up his job as a legal clerk to become a professional golfer in 1868.
## Strath’s Rivalry with Young Tom Morris
Strath was a close friend and major rival of Young Tom Morris, who died in December 1875.
## Crowded Course Conditions
The Open was pushed back to a Saturday due to the Royal and Ancient Autumn Meeting, with Prince Leopold installed as captain.
## Strath’s Rules Dispute
Strath pulled a shot toward the fifth fairway, hitting an upholsterer named Hutton on the head, then dropped shots after the incident.
## The Road Hole Incident
At the 17th, Strath’s ball ran past the green and hit a player putting out, causing a rules dispute.
## Playoff Disqualification
Strath was disqualified from the playoff after a rules dispute, allowing Bob Martin to win the title.

> Settle it now or I won’t be here in the morning
## Key takeaway

Davie Strath was disqualified from the 1876 Open Championship playoff after a rules dispute, allowing Bob Martin to win the title.