Sudden death of organiser Rob Macpherson at 

45 stuns world of university golf

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Scottish golf, and, in particular, university golf, is in mourning today for Dr Rob Macpherson who has died suddenly at his Dornoch home. He had only recently had his 45th birthday.

Macpherson, pictured, was more than the dedicated organiser of Scottish students' golf tournaments, he was the life blood, the motivator for the game at university level.

Rob was in his element at the annual Scottish students' championships for teams and individuals, male and female, held over the best part of a week at Moray Golf Club, Lossiemouth at the end of March, beginning of April every year.

He also organised monthly tournaments for students during the winter at various Scottish venues and had a role in the European and world students' championships..

Rob was honorary life president of Scottish Student Sport and commissioner of the European University Sports Association.

A lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Dr Macpherson was manager of Nairn Dunbar Golf Club for a spell. His parents, Fraser and Peggy, live in Nairn.

Dean Robertson, former Walker Cup player and winner of the Italian Open as a professional on the European Tour and now high performance coach at the University of Stirling, was in regular contact with Macpherson about students' golf.

Dean, pictured below, said: "I had been trying in vain to contact Rob  and was beginning to get worried about him so I called the Dornoch Hotel next door to where he lived in Dornoch on Tuesday night and they informed me that Rob had been found dead, slumped on stairs in his home, by the police.

"His family are absolutely devastated and his father, Fraser, can't speak. His mum Peggy told me that it would be a private funeral.
"Rob had a sister Alice, a brother in law Gordon, and nieces Iona (10) and Eilidh (9), both of whom he adored.
"Rob will be greatly missed and was loved by all. He had done so much for Scottish Student Sport, the British Universities and Colleges Sports Association and also the European University Sports Association. 

"He loved all his extended family in golf world too
"My thoughts are with him and his family at this time and I just hope he passed peacefully. Going to miss him so so much.

"Rob lived for student golf and was involved in so many levels from working with SSS, BUCS, EUSA and even the World University Games! 

"He was hugely intelligent and a historian like no other. He was larger than life in so many ways! University golf was his passion and love and all within were his extended family over the past three decades! 

"I am going to miss the big man so much and I am just so saddened by this news. To the best of my ability, I will continue with his passion and vision to drive forward the performance platform for university golf in the UK and Europe."