St Andrews pro Neil Paton comes to the end of his

 round after 32 years

 L-R "Neil Paton, accompanied by Mr and Mrs Herb Kohler, at his leaving reception in the Jigger Inn at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa."

 NEWS RELEASE
One of St Andrews longest-serving and best-recognized golf professionals has retired after an incredible 32 years in the town. 

Neil Paton, who was born in St Andrews, says: “I grew up in and around golf – and fell in love with the game.”

He decided to become a professional golfer – and headed to London to join Scottish golf pro, Laurie Ayton Jnr. 

Neil explains: “I worked with Laurie for five years – he had been a member of the Ryder Cup team in his day and during my time with him, I learned many different aspects of being a professional golfer. He helped shaped my career.”

Neil won his tour card and played for three years. He adds: “I realised my talents lay outside the ropes and I was not cut out for the tour.” 

He moved back to St Andrews and began teaching the game he loved. “I taught so many people – in so many places: from primary school children to students at the University, from members at the local clubs to visitors coming into the town. I loved it.”

In 1983, the then owners of the Old Course Hotel approached Neil to work alongside fellow St Andrews professional, John Philp. Neil says: “John was great to work with – he taught me a great deal about the workings of the resort.” 

Neil adds: “It was a really good step to make. I loved the mix of work – meeting guests and members of the hotel’s team as well as getting the opportunity to play in pro-am events across Scotland. It was also fun to teach golf in the iconic green sheds alongside the Road Hole as they were then the golf school for the hotel.”

Six years later, the hotel was sold – and the new owners, Kohler, asked Neil to become a full time member of the team and ‘head pro’ at the hotel. 

Neil adds: “They were exciting times. The owners decided to create The Duke’s and whilst five times Open Champion Peter Thomson was working on the creation of the course, I was asked to help set up the entire golf operation.”