On the course, he made his money from "challenge matches" against rivals such as Old Tom Morris, Willie Dunn and Allan Robertson, which were the most popular form of spectator golf in his era.

Park, a tall, strong man, was a very long hitter and an excellent putter, but sometimes got into trouble through overly aggressive play.

He had surpassed the older Willie Dunn by age 20, and travelled to St Andrews Links to play and learn that course.

Park further fuelled controversy through his aggressive self-promotion, but this did lead to increased interest in golf rivalries, more press coverage, and more matches and tournaments being set up, developing the professional game and increasing the incomes of players such as Park, Morris, and Robertson.

[2] He is primarily best remembered as the winner of four Open Championships, including the inaugural event in 1860, when the field was just eight strong.