PGA IN SCOTLAND NEWS RELEASE
Jack
Steven bought his first set of golf clubs from John Panton, learned
life lessons from the great man and has now picked up a prestigious
prize named after one of Scottish golf's legendary figures.
"This
completes a remarkable cycle for me which stretches over many years,"
said Steven as he received the John Panton Award for "outstanding
service to golf" at the PGA in Scotland luncheon in Glasgow this week.
His
PGA career started in 1962 as an assistant to Alex Fox at Dalmahoy, but
it was at Glasgow Golf Club that Steven served as head professional for
37 years before retiring in 2007.
"To
say I was completely overwhelmed when I received the letter informing
me of this honour is putting it mildly," he said after joining Finlay
Morrison, Jimmy Taylor, Ian Marchbank, Frank Rennie, Willie Skinner and
David Huish as recipients of the award.
"Most
people, especially the overworked members of the PGA, dream of
something good happening to them. Well, it has happened here for me with
this award as accepting it is a great privilege."
Admitting
he felt humbled, Steven added: "I wouldn’t be standing here if it
wasn’t for John Panton. He was my boyhood hero and my inspiration and my
mentor.
"From
the committed club professional, an ambassador for Scottish golf and a
true gentleman, I learned etiquette, responsibility and behaviour at a
very young age.
"I
bought my first set of clubs from John. I met him when I was a junior
member at Tulliallan when he visited the club with his renowned film
show.
"At
the end of this, I had the nerve to ask him for a golf lesson. Off I
went to Glenbervie, duly got my lesson and he gave me that friendly
smile and said ‘I think you’d better come back for other lessons.’
"Later,
after learning I was playing in the Scottish Championship, he invited
me to play 18 holes with him at Glenbervie and that was something
special. I informed him that I was considering turning pro.
"He had no
vacancies at Glenbervie, but he organised for me to go to Dalmahoy as an
assistant to Alex Fox.
"My
future had been decided by this quiet, modest man who had the respect
of us all. He is also the only golfer I know who has a drink (ginger
beer with a dash of lime cordial) named after him."
Paul
McGinley was the guest of honour at the event in Glasgow, regaling the
audience, which included Paul Lawrie, with tales from his winning Ryder
Cup captaincy at Gleneagles in 2014.
Former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Derby County striker Dean Saunders was the guest speaker.
Picture at top of article shows Jack Steven on left and Stuart Syme, captain of the PGA in Scotland, on the right.
Picture at top of article shows Jack Steven on left and Stuart Syme, captain of the PGA in Scotland, on the right.
Labels: PGA
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home