JIM HARDIE'S GOLDEN MEMORIES OF THE LATE ALISTAIR EDDIE

FROM JIM HARDIE

Read the article on the untimely death of Alistair Eddie, a very sad day for Hazlehead, Deeside G C and North-east golf.

I have many many great memories of playing both with and against Alistair (pictured). The common denominator between us? We simply both hated to lose, especially to each other!

I remember the great success I shared with Alistair as a partner in many winning Hazlehead teams, and of course we shared the sorrow of the losses !

What will I remember Alistair for? Without a doubt his tenacity on the course, and also   his  famous "tartan troosers."

One  memory that lives with me even today, when I was desperate to win the Quaich, and was all square

playing the long 14th at Hazlehead, and I ripped one past the fairway bunkers, plumb centre; looked over at Alistair's lie in the bunker - and there is the golden rule in match-play golf: Never count your chickens.

I thought, Alistair my boy, got you this time. Only to see a flash of steel, and a bunker shot from close on 200 yards, land about 6feet from the stick!

I looked over at Alistair, in utter amazement, for him to smile and say 'Did you like that one?' My reply, of course, is not printable!

I lost that game by one hole !

I made my "comeback"  after my own battle with cancer in a pennant match at Hazlehead. Off last, and oh yes with Alistair as my partner.

Walking up the first, Alistair put his hand on my shoulder, merely saying, 'Good to see you back,  pleased they put you out with me.'

That meant a lot, and is a cherished memory of the man.

Of course God had already decided that my only contribution that night would be for me to birdie the first hole, and walking to the second tee, Alistair merely says, some "adjective" things never change;

I can stop feeling sorry for you now!'

A great character, a pinnacle of Hazlehead golf. Without  doubt, Alistair was something special, a true golfing legend, the likes of which, golfers, family and friends will truly miss.

Jim Hardie