Golden Memories of the late Ronnie Shade

After reading your item (See Archives) about Ronnie Shade, I was taken back to the summer of 1969 when I was fortunate enough to be caddie for Ronnie at the Whitbread Trophy pro-am foursomes at Pleasington in Lancashire.
I was a 16-year-old junior member of the club and jumped at the opportunity to caddy for the man who had won the Carrolls Irish Open the previous weekend.
I was amazed at the way every shot was shaped to attack the pin position or drives to set up the best line in to the flag.
I did not see one ‘straight’ shot all weekend. Ronnie told me what he was about to do for each shot and put the ball exactly where he said it was going, using a fade or draw to do so. For a youngster learning the game it was an unforgettable experience.
The tournament was a foursomes and after being forced to take a penalty drop on the last hole by his partner, the win was snatched away from Ronnie and partner by the up and coming Peter Oosterhuis and his amateur partner, Nigel Paul.
I will always remember the experience and time of my golfing life with affection especially as I was lucky enough to watch Tony Jacklin win the Open shortly after.

Peter Dunn
Employment Advisor
Jigsaw Employment Services
11 Warner Street
Accrington
BB5 1HN