Laidlaw Purves MD, MRCS, LRCP | |
|---|---|
 Purves in 1896. Detail from original colour portrait by John Collier. | |
| Born | William Laidlaw Purves 16 April 1842 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 30 December 1917 (aged 75) Wimbledon, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | University of Edinburgh |
| Occupation | Surgeon |
| Known for | Contributions to golf handicapping Support for women's golf |
| Medical career | |
| Field | Ophthalmology, Aural surgery |
| Institutions | Guy's Hospital, London |
William Laidlaw Purves MRCS, LRCP (16 April 1842 – 30 December 1917) was a Scottish-born surgeon who worked in London as an aural and ophthalmic surgeon. He contributed specialist articles to the medical literature but is mainly remembered for his contributions to golf. He planned and designed the course that became Royal St Georges in Kent and was an important figure in the establishment of the Ladies Golf Union in the United Kingdom. He was a prime mover in introducing the rules of handicapping into British golf.