Scottish author Roger McStravick wins golf’s top literary prize for second time

Scottish author Roger McStravick has won golf’s top literary prize, the Herbert Warren Wind Award, for the second time in six years.

Roger McStravick won the Herbert Warren Wind Award for the first time in 2015 for St Andrews: In the Footsteps of Old Tom Morris and has now picked up the prize for a second time for St Andrews: The Road War Papers.

St Andrews-based McStravick received his latest accolade from the USGA for his latest book, St Andrews: The Road War Papers.

The book takes readers through the “road war” that ensued in 1879 after the St Andrews town council encouraged residents whose homes faced the Old Course to build a road from Golf Place to Grannie Clark’s Wynd, running over a portion of the ancient links.

Local resident John Paterson emerged as a staunch and vocal critic of the plan, fighting in court for the preservation of the historic grounds. The case eventually made its way to the House of Lords.

Established in 1987 and named for the famed 20th-century American golf writer, the Herbert Warren Wind Award is presented by the USGA Golf Museum & Library in recognition of outstanding contributions to golf literature through expert research, writing and publishing.

“It is wonderful to receive the USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Award for 2020,” said McStravick. “It is the highest honor for any golf writer and I am delighted to be this year’s recipient. Winning in 2015 changed my life.

“This award has the power to do that, and I am truly grateful to the USGA and the committee. This means the absolute world to me.”

In his book, McStravick gathers, transcribes and analyses original archival documents from St. Andrews institutions to construct a vivid account of the legal conflict while telling the story of the town’s evolution and development around the Old Course.

This research, compiled in the book for the first time, includes court testimony of local residents, including Old Tom Morris and three-time Open champion Jamie Anderson.

“Roger backs a fascinating and engaging narrative with meticulous research to deliver an unparalleled look at how St. Andrews was shaped into the town we know today,” said Hilary Cronheim, director of the USGA Golf Museum & Library.

“The book will serve as an invaluable resource for future researchers on the history of the game as well as any golf fan who wants to learn more about one of golf’s most historic towns.”

McStravick previously received the award in 2015 for his book, St Andrews: In the Footsteps of Old Tom Morris.

A message from the Editor:

Get a year of unlimited access to all of The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis, exclusive interviews, live blogs, and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions/sports