Arena Sport, an imprint of Birlinn, is thrilled to announce the forthcoming publication of ‘The King of Clubs: Allan Robertson of St Andrews, 1815-1859’ by Roger McStravick and the late Bill Williams.
Birlinn Editorial Director Andrew Simmons said, “We are hugely excited to be working with Roger on this book. He has built an incredible volume of work over the last 10 years and won multiple awards here and stateside.
“His books, that primarily feature early 19th century golfers and St Andrews, combine in depth research with warm, engaging writing. The team here are excited about this book about one of Scotland’s forgotten heroes. This volume puts Allan back in his rightful place as one of Scotland’s greatest sporting icons and it is exciting to be at the forefront of the drive to celebrate this latter-day Scottish king of golf.”
This book tells the story of Champion Golfer Allan Robertson (1815-1859). Until now, Robertson’s role had been as a member of the supporting cast in the story of leading light Tom Morris. Between 1840 and 1859, the reality was that Robertson was the lead and Morris the supporting figure.
This biography puts Robertson in the spotlight and charts one of golf history’s great characters and most talented players. With new material about Robertson’s life, set against to the backdrop of an ever-evolving St Andrews, Royal and Ancient club and the links, this biography brings this engrossing life story to light. Allan Robertson was to many who saw him play, the best golfer in the world and the true King of Clubs.
Author Roger McStravick added, ‘It is a thrill to have a book published by Arena and join that wonderful list of authors signed to the group. Our aim with this book was to remove the myths that plagued Allan’s reputation for over 170 years; most of them taken from a book about Tom Morris written 120 years ago.
“Allan came from a golf business minded family. The Robertsons had been making featheries for at least 240 years by the time Allan’s father Davie, the Champion Golfer of Scotland, passed away.
“As a maverick golfer, Allan held the Champion Golfer title for 19 years, in fact he and his father held that title for 24 years over a 29-year era. It was Allan’s death that led to the creation of The Open to find the new Champion Golfer.
“To the multitude of things we should be thankful for, probably the most is that in 1848 Allan invented the lofted iron for around the green – a modern-day wedge. How much do we owe to this unsung legend who, like Tiger, famously wore a red coat in the heat of battle?
“For Arena to be publishing our book and getting the word to a much wider audience, means so much to Bill’s family and myself. We are truly grateful.”
The timing of this news coincides with Jack Nicklaus honouring Allan Robertson at his Memorial Tournament in Ohio this week. It is particularly exciting that one of the greatest living golfers of our time is honouring Allan, who was hailed ‘The King of Clubs,’ by the press in his day.
The King of Clubs: Allan Robertson of St Andrews, 1815-1859 by Roger McStravick and the late Bill Williams will be published in September 2026 .The paperback edition is priced at £17.99.
It can be ordered direct from the publisher’s website, as well as Amazon, Waterstones, etc
