Robert Campbell was born in Troon in 1895 the fifth son of Mrs Alexander Campbell. On the census record of 1911 he is listed, age 16, as a golfer. In an article in the local newspaper announcing his death in 1917, it states he was employed as a professional golfer with Willie Fernie the well-known professional at the Troon Golf Club. Robert initially served with the Lovat Scouts, Britains first sniper unit, but was later transferred to the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders in 1915. Some two years later he was at first reported missing however it was later confirmed that he fell in action on the 11th April 1917 at the young age of 22.
The Professional Golfers' Association