Allan Robertson (1815-59), is acknowledged as the first golf professional; that is, he played the game for a living. He began as a maker of golf balls, and Old Tom Morris, among others, worked for him. He and Tom would join to play big money matches against all challengers, and they were hard to beat. A contemporary described him as "reputed to be the best player at St. Andrews, and consequently in Scotland – I may as well add, in the world."
Another said of him: "He was a short, little, active man, with a pleasant face, small features, and a merry twinkle in his eye. His style was neat and effective. He held his clubs near the end of the handle, his clubs were light, and his stroke an easy swift switch. He always kept cool and generally pulled through a match even when he got behind. He was a natural gentleman, honorable and true."
Robertson was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.