The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers had previously hosted the Open six times on the public nine-hole Musselburgh Links before building the private 18-hole course at Muirfield.

After the announcement that the Open would move from Musselburgh to Muirfield, a number of local golfers protested about the change of venue.

When the Honourable Company refused to change the venue back to Musselburgh, these members determined to run their own "open" competition on the same days as the official event.

By offering much higher prize money, they hoped to induce the leading professionals to play in their "open".

This, however, resulted in a large increase in the prize money for the official event from £30 in 1891 to over £100.

Playing perfectly, he reached the 16th tee needing to score 18 from the last three holes to win.

In tying for 5th place James Kay, long-term professional at Seaton Carew Golf Club, reached his highest position in the 22 Open Championships in which he played.

An unnamed member donated £5 to be given to the player with the lowest round, to be given in cash to professionals or to buy a memento if an amateur.

He did, however, receive a gold medal and £5 in plate for recording the lowest score for a single round.

The Royal Liverpool Club, of which he was a member, received possession of the Championship Cup for the year.

The Musselburgh Open took place a week before the official event on 14 and 15 September.

Because of the late change in date entries were allowed until the opening day.