DEESIDE GREENKEEPER LEEL RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS

    Frank Coutts (left), PGA Scotland captain and Deeside GC's Director of Golf, with retiring greenkeeper Andrew Leel. Picture by Cal Carson Golf Agency.

  

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Deeside Golf Club's head greenkeeper Andrew Leel has retired after 50 years on the Bieldside club's ground staff.

It would have been 51 years had not Cults Academy refused to let Andrew leave school until he was 15.

"I always wanted to get a job that involved me working outdoors," said Leel.

He was originally offered a job on the Deeside greenstaff under head greenkeeper Steve Donnachie when he was 14.

Ironically for a man who has spent all of his working life on a golf course. Leel does not play golf.

"I did get clubs at one time but after a couple of unsuccessful and not enjoyable games, I decided that actually playing the game was not for me," said Leel who is looking forward to indulging in his first love, walking in the countryside.

Past club captain David Rennie, at a presentation in the clubhouse,  paid tribute to Leel's expertise in having the Deeside course in tip-top condition early in the season.