A century since Rev WW Tulloch published the only previous biography of the Victorian age of golf's defining character, David Malcolm and Peter Crabtree have completed a detailed study of Old Tom's life, works and influence.

The result of more than 15 years of research, including unfettered access to family archives and cooperation from the R&A and other clubs, the book includes an in-depth analysis of Morris, his antecedents and contemporaries in golf. The authors claim a complete reassessment of Old Tom's contribution to the game and his influence in the context of his time.

His influence on course design is central to Tom's legend.

Malcolm and Crabtree claim him as "arguably the first professional to design and build a course from scratch" and say that his first, at Prestwick, testified to his insight and creativity and set standards for all to follow.

Rhod McEwan Golf Books. Limited editions, from £395 www.rhodmcewan.com