Legendary US

golf writer Dan Jenkins (89) dies

   

By: Golfweek Staff Writer | March 8, 2019 7:57 am

Dan Jenkins, the legendary American writer who delighted readers with his stories about golf for more than six decades, died Thursday night. He was 89.
One of the most distinguished and recognisable writers in sports, Jenkins was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012. He covered more than 230 major championships in his career, which started in 1948 when, as a high school student, he was hired by the Fort Worth Press.
He covered his first major at the 1951 U.S. Open during which Ben Hogan shot a final-round 67 to win the title. Decades later, Jenkins said it was one of the greatest rounds he’d seen. In 1955, Jenkins finished second in the Fort Worth city championship, an accomplishment he shared with Hogan and Byron Nelson.
In 1962, he was hired by Sports Illustrated, where he chronicled the feats of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. When Palmer lost the 1961 Masters after failing to par the final hole, Jenkins wrote, “Gary Player of South Africa is the Masters champion because Arnold Palmer was in too big a hurry to win it again.”
Jenkins would move to Golf Digest in 1985, where he’d spend the rest of his career while writing several books and winning the most prestigious awards bestowed upon sports journalists, including the PGA Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award presented by the PGA of America.
“There aren’t many writers in there,” he said at the time he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. “It’s a small group, and I’m pleased to be a part of it. I’d follow Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson anywhere.”

DEESIDE GOLF CLUB Weekly Newsletter update DEATH OF FORMER CLUB CHAMPION DAVID BRUCE

The club were very sorry to hear about David Bruce who passed away last week. David was a Deeside member for 73 years - 1946 to date and represented the club on many occasions. He was club champion in 1966 and 68. His wife Stella died a month or two earlier. Our thoughts are with David's family at this sad time.

from the Ayrshire Golf News website

from the Ayrshire Golf News website

MATT LYGATE - Shock as Honorary Life President passes away

Members of  the Ayrshire Golf Association were shocked and saddened to learn from Past President John Rushbury today, Tuesday, February 19, that Honorary Life President Matt Lygate passed away unexpectedly in his sleep last night at the age of 82.

The sad news was all the more hard felt as Matt and his dear wife Mary had attended the Annual Dinner of The Association last Friday evening where Matt was in fine form, and enjoyed an excellent evening in the company of many old friends, even receiving a warm and heartfelt tribute from guest speaker and fellow Ayrshireman Alan Tait towards the end of his speech that night.

Matt was for many years a member of the Troon Portland club, and  was very well known in Ayrshire golf circles where he enjoyed county success, winning the Ayrshire Strokeplay Championship in 1967, the Doc Thom Order Of Merit in 1974 and the Ayrshire Seniors Championship in 1997 & 1998. 

Matt's golfing reputation also extended well beyond Ayrshire, having been a Scottish internationalist from 1970 to 1975 with appearances against England Ireland and Wales during that period. 

Matt also represented Scotland in the 1971 European Team Championship at Lausanne in Switzerland alongside a number of well known and accomplished golfers including lifelong friend and former R and A Captain George McGregor.

In the Scottish Amateur Championship, Matt's best finish came in 1975 when he won a bronze medal at Montrose. He also competed in the Amateur Championship that year, where he reached the fourth round before being knocked out at the first extra hole by a young Sandy Lyle from Hawkstone Park.

Away from the playing side of the game, Matt also served The Ayrshire Golf Association in a number of capacities, being elected President from 1975 to 1977 and serving as the Ayrshire representative on the Scottish Golf Union Council for many years, during which time he served as an international selector and team captain for the men's team.

A keen supporter of junior golf, Matt presented the Ayrshire Junior team Championship Trophy, which bears his name, for annual competition in 1988, and the competition remains an annual fixture to this day.

In recognition of his services to The Ayrshire Golf Association, and the wider golfing community,  Matt Lygate was elected as only the second Honorary Life President of The Association, after stepping down from his position with The Scottish Golf Union.

Though he suffered a number of health setbacks in recent years, Matt fought the issues with fortitude and good grace and throughout he retained his love for the game, still playing a few holes as recently as last week. Second to his wife and family, Matt liked nothing better than his golf and the company of golfers, and was great company with many a fine, and often funny, tale to tell of his time in the game.

Funeral arrangements will be advised when known.

The members of the Ayrshire Golf Association Executive extend sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Matt's wife of 60 years, Mary, his family and friends at this very sad time, and are sure that these sentiments will be echoed by the wider golfing community in Ayrshire, Scotland and beyond.

From: 

"Bernie McGuire"

 

Sad news: Keith Mackie has died

Dear Members and Association of Golf Writers friends,

It is very sad to report the passing of our friend and colleague, Keith Mackie.

 

I received the following email from Keith's son, Ryan:-

 

I'm sorry to be writing with some very sad news.

 

Keith passed away late on Wednesday night. He was keen to be at home which we were able to arrange, and he was surrounded by his loving family. He was comfortable and calm and not in any pain.

His condition deteriorated very quickly over the last few weeks and days. We all miss him so much.

 

He was so proud to be a member of the AGW and I know he was very touched by the presentation to mark his 50 years as a member, as well as the hamper more recently.  I would be grateful if you were able to share this sad news amongst your members.

 

If you need any more information, you can email Dad's address or mine is cc'd above. 

 

The funeral will be next Thursday, February 14, in St.Andrews at Holy Trinity church at 1.15pm.

 

Keith was one of the Association's longest-serving members, having joined in 1963.

 

He was born into a golfing family in St. Andrews and was the son of a golfing professional.

 

Keith was a former editor of Golf World and was the author of a number of golf-related books.

 

If any member would like to contact his son, Ryan you can via email:-

 

ryanmackie1@gmail.com or at Keith's email address - keithmackie@gmail.com

 

Bernie McGuire,

Secretary of AGW

Aberdeenshire stalwart Stella Bruce (85) has
died this week

Stella Bruce, a former Aberdeenshire women's county team player and later county captain, died on Tuesday evening, only a week or so after her 85th birthday. 
Stella and David Bruce's son Colin told "Scottishgolfview":
"Despite her osteoporosis, Parkinsons  and glaucoma, Stella was still hitting the occasional golf ball last summer.
"We took Mum and Dad to Norway in September for a holiday. It was really successful.
"Shortly after returning to Ballater, Mum fell and broke eight ribs in early October. She fought hard to recover but didn’t make it.
"Her funeral service will be  next Friday (December 21) at Crathie Church (11.30am).
"Her favourite five-iron and a box of Dunlop 65s are going in the coffin.
"The picture is from a few weeks ago, happier times drinking gin on our deck in Norway."
Stella Paterson, as she was before her marriage to David Bruce, hailed from Peterhead. They did very well in mixed foursomes competitions.
She held the Aboyne women's course record of 71 and played for the East versus West Select at Ranfurly Castle in February 1964.  Stella had a handicap as low as one in the late 1950s-early 1960s and won the Aberdeenshire women's county championship in 1959, 1961 and 1962.
When she reached the veteran stage of her playing career, she played for the Scotland Vets and later captained the team.
"She had happy days at Balgowmie. Like a second home and her genuine love of both the course and the members," said son Colin. 

 

Legends Hall of Famer Shelley Hamlin dies

 

at 69 after battle with cancer

 

LPGA NEWS RELEASE

The LPGA is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former LPGA Tour member, Shelley Hamlin, who died on October 15 at the age of 69 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

Hamlin’s decorated golf career started at an early age with appearances on the 1966 and 1968 winning USA teams at the Espirito Santo Trophy and the victorious 1968 and 1970 Curtis Cup teams. Hamlin was runner-up to Catherine Lacoste in the 1969 U.S. Women’s Amateur. She was also the California Women’s Amateur champion from 1967-1970 and the 1971 AIAW national collegiate individual champion for Stanford University. 
Hamlin (pictured) turned professional in 1972 and went on to win three times on the LPGA Tour at the 1978 Patty Berg Classic, 1992 Phar-Mor at Inverrary and the 1993 ShopRite LPGA Classic. Her victory in 1992 came only seven months following a modified radical mastectomy.
Hamlin was the 1992 William and Mousie Powell award winner for behaviour and deeds that best exemplify the spirit, ideals and values of the LPGA. She also earned the 1995 Heather Farr Award for her hard work, dedication and love of the game of golf, with demonstrated determination, perseverance and spirit in fulfilling her goals as a player.
 She was also the 1992 Bounce Back Player of the Year and the 2000 Dr. DeDe Owens Spirit of Golf award winner, which recognizes someone who has overcome adversity and gone on to contribute to the growth and development of golf worldwide.
Hamlin was a member of the Legends Tour, for women aged 45 and older, where she won the 2002 Fidelity Investments Classic. On October 11, 2018, she was enshrined into the Legends Hall of Fame.

Death of Alliance stalwart Nigel Parker

So sad to hear that Nigel “ Big Nige” Parker,  a stalwart of the North-east Golfers' Alliance, passed away on Monday, October 1. He had been a patient at Roxburghe House after he fell ill.

A great competitor and friend to many.

Derek Freeland

Nigel was a Murcar Links Golf Club member.

His funeral will take place next Wednesday, October 10 which clashes with the next North-east Golfers Alliance fixture at Ballater.

BABERTON STALWART JOAN 

MARSHALL DIES AT HOME, AGED 75

By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Joan Marshall, who flew the Baberton, Midlothian and Scotland flags with pride during a successful career as both a player and golf administrator, passed away last Friday.

She died peacefully at home after a short illness. Marshall, who was 75, had been a member at Baberton for 41 years and was the ladies’ champion on ten occasions.
She also had a spell as ladies’ captain at the Juniper Green club.
Her involvement in golf administration was enormous. She was a past captain and past president of Midlothian County Ladies Golf Association, a past chairman of Scottish Ladies Golf Association and was the Scottish selector of the Ladies Golf Union international selection 
committee.
As a mark or her contribution to not only her beloved club but also the game of golf throughout the UK, Marshall was made an honorary member of Baberton, where her whole family are also members.         
“Joan was one of the County’s greatest supporters,” said Midlothian captain Jacky Burnett. “As a player, selector and administrator, she was a force within Scottish Golf, making a tremendous contribution to our game.”

The funeral service will be held at 11am at Mortonhall Crematorium, Main Chapel, on Saturday and then back to Baberton Golf Club.

This would have been Arnold Palmer's 89th birthday

Today (Monday) would’ve marked Arnold Palmer’s 89th birthday. Palmer died September 25, 2016, shortly before the 2016 Ryder Cup.

Death of Peter Thomson, five times Open champion

                                                                                  

by Golf Australia                      

Peter Thomson became the first Australian to win The Open at Royal Birkdale in 1954.

The family of Australian golfing great Peter Thomson announce his passing on Wednesday 20 June 2018.
He had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for more than four years and lost his brave battle at home in Melbourne surrounded by family at 9.00 a.m. Born on 23 August 1929, he was two months short of his 89^th birthday.
The first Australian to win the Open went on to secure the title five times between 1954 and 1965, a record equalled in the 20^th and 21^st Centuries only by American Tom Watson.
On the American senior circuit he won nine times in 1985, setting a record that may never be broken. As well as a great player he was an outstanding contributor to the game, serving as president of the Australian PGA for 32 years, designing and building courses in Australia and around the world, helping establish the Asian Tour and working behind the scenes for the Odyssey House drug rehabilitation organisation where he was chairman for five years.
 He also wrote for newspapers and magazines for more than 60 years and was patron of the Australian Golf Writers Association.
In 1979 he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his service to golf and in 2001 became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions as a player and administrator and for community service.
Peter is survived by his wife Mary, son Andrew and daughters Deirdre Baker, Pan Prendergast and Fiona Stanway, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. .
They ask for privacy in their bereavement and will announce funeral arrangements in the next few days. Requests for further information can be directed to Brendan Moloney on 0412 362 000 or at imgolf@optusnet.com.au.

     

R and A  STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF PETER

THOMSON AO, CBE

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R and A, said, “It is with great sadness that we have awoken to the news of the passing of Peter Thomson.

“Peter was a true gentleman and will be forever remembered throughout the world of golf as one of the great champions of our wonderful sport. He was a distinguished Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and will be sorely missed by all of us at The R and A. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

"Peter gave me a number of very interesting and valuable thoughts on the game, how it has developed and where it is going which demonstrated his genuine interest and love of golf.

“He was one of the most decorated and celebrated Champion Golfers in the history of The Open, winning the Championship five times in total and becoming the only golfer of the 20th century to lift the Claret Jug on three consecutive occasions between 1954 and 1956.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Peter’s wife, Mary, and his four children, Diana, Peta-Ann, Fiona and Andrew.”

 

 

 

Ends.

Death of Jock Borthwick in Australia

FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PGA WEBSITE

The PGA and Australian golf industry today celebrates the life of PGA Life Member John 'Jock' Thorburn Borthwick who passed away this week at the age of 87.
Jock came to Australia from Scotland in 1947 aged 16 and completed his apprenticeship at Nedlands Golf Club in 1948 under Charles Jackson.
He achieved success as Head Professional at Seaview Golf Club, the West Australian Golf Club, Royal Fremantle Golf Club, Lake Karrinyup Country Club and Kwinana Golf Club.
Jock was President of the PGA of Australia from 1968 - 1979 and again became President in 1986, He designed and developed golf courses at Lancelin and Ledge Point, where he spent his retirement.
The funeral service will be held at Fremantle Crematorium today, Thursday 29 March at 12:30pm.
Jock is survived by his wife Carola, daughters Susan, Miriam and grandchildren Matthew, James, Helena and Jonathan.

NE Alliance competition cancelled as mark of respect for Billy Sim

The North-east Golfers' Alliance committee has decided to cancel the final fixture of the 2017-18 season tomorrow (Wednesday) as a mark of respect for for former Craibstone Golf Centre manager and well-known North-east golfing personality, Billy Sim, whose funeral service is being held at Westhill Community Church at 11am tomorrow.

Finlay Morris, the boy

wonder, whose career

was cut short at 22

FROM STUART MACKENZIE

in New Zealand

Hi Colin,

I came across your Scottishgolfview.com article (May 9, 2009) about Finlay Morris while doing a Google search and wholeheartedly agree with you that most people would never have heard of one of the greatest golfers ever to walk the planet.

In 1966 I played a round with Finlay at Cawder on the Keir course. Me and a golfing buddy were standing at the first tee when Finlay walked over and said "do you mind if I play with you, lads?" 

We were both only fourteen years of age at the time and completely flabbergasted that he'd want to play with us. Not that we were bad golfers, having been well tutored by Ken Pate, but to us he was already a golfing god.

 Most of that round is now a blur but I'll never forget his immaculate ball striking and low penetrating drives; and with such a relaxed swing. Being overawed, I played rather badly and he even kindly tried to sort my swing but couldn't find anything wrong with it. I probably just needed to keep ma heid doon...

One year later my parents decided to emigrate to New Zealand. A few months after we arrived I received a letter from my cousin back in Bishopbriggs saying that Finlay had been killed  (age 22 in car crash in November 1967). 

I couldn't believe it and was in a state of shock for days. I tried to explain to some of my new Kiwi friends who he was and what his death meant but nobody had heard of him, even the golfers I knew.

A couple of years later a friend and I caddied for Clive Clark and Peter Oosterhuis in a tournament at the North Shore Club, Auckland where I was a junior member. Knowing that Clive had played against Finlay in the British Boys I told him I was from Cawder and knew Finlay. Clive became quite subdued and agreed that it was a terrible tragedy.

So for me there's rarely a day goes by when I don't think of the great Finlay Morris and what he could have been.

Stuart Mackenzie

New Zealand 

Death of Whitecraigs GC pro Alistair Forrow

Sad news that Ayrshire Winter Golf Association committee member and Whitecraigs Golf Club pro Alistair Forrow passed away on Friday after a short illness.

I think he was in his early 50s.

Gerry Smith

Former  Scottish champion Graham Lowson dies

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Former Scottish amateur champion Graham Lowson, who played out of Auchterarder Golf Club. died on Tuesday. It would have been his 54th birthday today.

A Scottish international, he won the national title at Downfield in 1991 and is pictured receiving the trophy from Lindsay Stewart (Merchants of Edinburgh), then president of Scottish Golf Union.

Lowson had major heart surgery a few years ago.

FROM SCOTTISH GOLFVIEW.COM of YESTERYEAR

Graham Lowson’s forte as a golfer was match-play. He won far more matches than he lost, not only for Perth and Kinross in county matches but especially for Scotland, which was one of the reasons he was recalled to international duty in 1997-98 after his earlier cap career spanned the 1989-91 seasons.
Graham recalled: “I did not badly in the SGU Order of Merit in 1997-98 and got to the quarter-finals of the Scottish amateur in 1997. In the home internationals that year I won two out of three singles, playing No 1! Jamie Donaldson was the only man I lost to. I can remember playing against Justin Rose and Gary Wolstenholme in the foursomes – and lost!

Did Lowson ever consider turning professional in the 1990s?

“Never. I was never a full-time amateur. I’ve always worked for a living and, anyway, I always thought it would be too difficult to make the grade and a living as a tour pro,” he said.

“Some more of the guys who did make the switch should have thought that way too!” 
Lowson, area sales manager with First Independent Finance Ltd, was a asset finance specialist for over 26 years “with a particular understanding of turfcare, agriculture, haulage, construction and the small business sector. 
“I joined First Independent Finance Ltd as the business gave me the ability to offer greater choice and higher levels of trust to my customer base, along with a wide credit appetite and a service that has been proved to be second to none.
“If you are in the market for any asset for your business, I guarantee I will be one of your greatest asset for your business.”
Graham’s love of golf never diminished over the years but he also enjoyed shooting, walking and training three dogs.
SGU past president Hugh Hunter recalls the 1991 Scottish amateur championship at Downfield.

“In the semi-finals, Graham Lowson beat Garry Hay (Hilton Park) by one hole while Len Salariya ( Downfield), who was the ‘local hero’/ surprise packet of the tournament, beat Derek Paton (Dunnikier Park) 3 and 2 in the other.

“In the 36-hole final, Lowson and Salariya were all square after 28 holes. Then Lowson hit three birdies to stand three up with four to play. Salariya was bunkered at the 15th and failed to get up and down so Lowson won 4 and 3.“
Salariya’s great week was not rewarded with a Scotland cap in the home internationals. It was obviously considered a flash in the pan performance, aided by local knowledge on his home course. Perhaps the SGU selectors were right

Death of Dr Frank Deighton at age of 90

FROM THE HERALDSCOTLAND DEATH NOTICES

DEIGHTON Dr Frank W.G. Aged 90, peacefully, on February 23, 2018, at Clarence Court Care Home. Retired GP, Scottish golfer and member of the R and A, beloved father to daughters Nicky and the late Ruth, and husband to the late Marna. 
Thanks to staff at Clarence Court for their care and to all friends who visited over many years. Private funeral service in Glasgow.

A past Walker Cup player (1957 at Minikahda Golf Club)  who represented Scotland in the annual home internationals many times between 1950 and 1960, Frank also deserved credit for designing Isle of Skye's golf course.

David Miller tells me: "I met Frank at Hilton Park, where we were both members. He was a distinguished member of the R and A also Western Gailes and Glasgow. 

                       TOMMY HORTON, picture by courtesy of Getty Images 

NEWS RELEASE

Former PGA captain and Ryder Cup player Tommy Horton passes away at 76

The PGA regrets to announce that former captain and Ryder Cup player Tommy Horton has passed away at the age of 76 after a long illness. Tommy was PGA captain in 1978 and played in the Ryder Cup on two occasions. He won four European Tour events and finished in the top 10 three times. His best year was 1976 when he was fifth. His record on the Senior Tour was even more impressive. The Tour was founded shortly after Tommy reached the qualifying age of 50 in 1991 and he was the dominant figure in its early days. He headed the money list in five seasons – 1993, 96, 97, 98 and 99 – and led the Tour’s career prize-winning chart until 2007 when he was overtaken by Carl Mason. Despite these successes on the big stage, Tommy remained a club pro at heart and a loyal PGA Member. Having begun his career as a professional at Ham Manor Golf Club, Sussex, in 1959, he moved to Royal Jersey Golf Club as head PGA Professional in 1974. Tommy, who was born in St Helens, Lancashire, had grown up in the Channel Islands and served the Royal Jersey Golf Club for 25 years before retiring in 1999. However, he maintained his long association with the club and it was there he was taken ill on December 7 before passing away later that evening in hospital. Reflecting on Tommy Horton’s career, PGA chief executive Robert Maxfield, said: “Despite his success at the game’s highest level Tommy was first and foremost a PGA Professional. “He flew the flag for the Association at every opportunity, especially during his year as captain. “The days when club professionals like Tommy could excel on the Tour are long gone but he never lived in the past and was always mindful of the game’s future. “To that end he was the first honorary captain of the European Junior Ryder Cup team for the match in 2008 and for the three subsequent encounters. “He also kept in touch with The PGA and attended the most recent biennial Past Captains’ Lunch in March. “He was accompanied by Helen, his wife, and we extend our deepest sympathy to her and his family at this desperately sad time.”

Death of President of North District Association

 Jimmy Fraser, funeral service on Thursday a.m.

OBITUARY BY ROBIN WILON 

The funeral service for Jimmy Fraser, a long standing official and administrator in golfing circles throughout Ross-shire and the North, will take place at 10.30am on Thursday (September 14) at  Rosemarkie Parish Church  

James (Jimmy) Fraser, pictured, was always referred to in his home Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club as the “Sheriff" - during his working life he sat on the bench of many north courthouses and in  golf clubhouses of the North he himself was often summoned to give rulings on the game.

He became an authority on the Rules of Golf, so much so that he led a team of Fortrose and Rosemarkie club members to victory in  a Scottish club quiz on golf rules win and progressed to an international final in 1992, in which they were runners-up. For the next two years he served as captain of Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club

Jimmy represented Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club on the North District Association executive committee where his work as junior convenor brought success and fruition to many teenage golfers. His advice during the lead-up years to amalgamation of the Scottish Golf Union with the Scottish Ladies Golf Association was invaluable.

He was elected President of the North District in 2011 and was the current honorary president, elected to that office in November 2014 on the death of Bill Templeton.

As a golfer he played with a double figure handicap for most of his life, his best claim to fame Handicap Club Champion at Fortrose in 1987. A bit tempestuous at times on the course , Jimmy was a character who will be missed

Peter Lloyd (76) will be 'sorely missed'

Peter Lloyd (right) with Lord MacFarlane of Bearsden at the opening of the Scottish Regional offices at Gleneagles.

Tributes have been paid to Peter Lloyd, who served the Professional Golfers' Association admirably for 30 years, notably as secretary of the Scottish Region, after he passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 76.
"Very sad indeed," said 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie of Lloyd's death. "Peter was brilliant to my wife, Marian, and myself when I first started playing Scottish Region events. A great guy who will be sorely missed.”
Born in Airdrie and brought up in Gartcosh, Lloyd started with The PGA in 1986 after the closure of the local British Steel plant, having followed his father into the steel industry after leaving school.
Appointed by his good friend Sandy Jones, Lloyd was tournament director for the Scottish Region for eight years before serving as the senior tournament director at The Belfry for two years.
He returned to Scotland in January 1997 as regional secretary, succeeding Neil Simpson, and held that post until December 2006. During that time he managed the Region's move from Glenbervie to its current headquarters at Gleneagles.
At Tartan Tour events, Lloyd was supported by his wife, Anne, as she worked as a recorder. Her death in November 2010 left a huge void in Lloyd's life but he continued to serve The PGA in a pastoral role.
In fact, he served as welfare and benevolent officer for 10 years, just stopping last year.
"Peter will be missed by the many who knew him but fondly remembered by us all," said Jones, The PGA executive president. "He was a great ambassador for golf and The PGA and I have lost a lifelong friend.”
PGA in Scotland secretary Shona Malcolm added: "Peter was a true character and they are few and far between in golf in Scotland today. He was always ready with advice and willing to help but never let anyone away with actions he thought reflected badly on his beloved PGA.
"I’ll miss lifting the phone and asking, 'Peter, can you remember the background to such and such a tournament?' Invariably, he could.”
Lawrie was joined in paying tribute to Lloyd by former PGA in Scotland captains Andrew Crerar and David Scott.
"Peter was a true gentleman and a dedicated man in many ways," said Panmure PGA Professional Crerar. "He was a giant for The PGA in Scotland and will be greatly missed and very fondly remembered.”
Scott, director of operations at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa in St Andrews, added: "Peter was a huge support to so many people during his time at The PGA. He will be sadly missed.”
Lloyd, a vice president of Mount Ellen Golf Club, is survived by his three children: Alison, Lesley and Leonard and his grandchildren Daniel, James, Callum, Fraser and Megan.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Service at Donald McLaren Ltd, 45 Sunnyside Road, Coatbridge, ML5 3DG on Friday 1st September 2017 at 2.45 pm, then to Daldowie Crematorium, Glasgow G71 7RU for 3.45 pm. Family flowers only. 

ROYAL DORNOCH MOURNS CLUB

PRESIDENT DENNIS BETHUNE

 

Royal Dornoch Golf Club has lost one of its longest-serving members and driving forces with the passing of club president Dennis Bethune.

 

Dennis, 80, had an association with the world-famous club for more than six decades. He became a member in 1951 and was club captain from 1987 to 1989.

 

He became president in 2009 and played an active role in the club’s celebrations last year to mark 400 years of golf being played in Dornoch. He is survived by his wife Rena, whom he married in 1962, and their three children.

 FUNERAL TOMORROW AT DORNOCH CATHEDRAL

His funeral will be held tomorrow (Thursday, 22 June) at Dornoch Cathedral, followed by an event at the club. Donations in his memory will be given to the patients fund at Lawson Memorial Hospital in Golspie, where Dennis was cared for recently.

 

Neil Hampton, Royal Dornoch’s general manager, said: “Dennis’s death has come as a shock to us all. He was a friend to everyone, whether he had met them before or not.

 

“Our thoughts and feelings are with his wife, Rena, and children Gary, Morven, Fiona, all of the family and his many, many friends all over the world.”

 

A former golf professional, who also spent some time at Elgin Golf Club

and Haggs Castle Golf Club (from 1961 - 1965, taking over from Gordon Kinnoch when Gordon moved to Blairgowrie), Dennis played in the 1962 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

During his time at Royal Dornoch, he hosted many famous golfers, including Jack Nicklaus, Sandy Lyle and Greg Norman, as well as Ben Crenshaw and HRH Prince Andrew, who both became honorary members of the club.

 CADDIED FOR TOM WATSON

In 1981, he also acted as caddie to another honorary member, Tom Watson, when the legendary American played the famous Championship Course and said it was "the most fun I ever had playing golf”.

 

The visit took place a year after Watson won his third Open Championship, at Muirfield, in 1980.

 

Dennis was also heavily involved in the year-long series of events to mark the milestone of 400 years of golf being played in Dornoch, which included concerts, exhibitions, a gala dinner, a street party, the biggest gathering of Royal clubs ever assembled, as well as a new Royal Dornoch 400 tartan and a special whisky.

 

His son, Gary, followed in his footsteps as a champion golfer and has twice won the club’s prestigious Carnegie Shield.