Secretary Mike Winton (left) welcomes new pro Gary Casey to Pitlochry Golf Club

GARY CASEY IS NEW PRO AT PITLOCHRY

PITLOCHRY Golf Club has appointed a new professional.

After spending much of his 33-year career in England and Holland, it heralds a homecoming for Gary Casey.

He takes over from one-time Walker Cup and Eisenhower Trophy team player Wallace Booth, who enjoyed a year with Niall McGill’s Noah’s Ark team in Highland Perthshire.

Wallace has been recuperating from shoulder surgery but is planning to tee-up in the EuroPro Tour this season.

Pitlochry members are delighted to have secured an experienced successor to Comrie-born Wallace, who was heavily committed to coaching novices and more experienced players.

Gary (48) arrives in the Big County with a hard-earned reputation for coaching skills honed during a career which has taken him from home club Dullatur, near Cumbernauld, as raw teenager to Lavender Park Golf Centre in Berkshire and a spell in Holland at the Wouwse Plantage club before becoming head teaching pro at Thorpe Wood Golf Club in Peterborough in 1992.

“My partner Britt and I have been touring 10 countries across Europe in a camper van for the last six months and when we spotted the opening at Pitlochry we thought it would be perfect for us,” said Gary.

“The quality of life here is wonderful in this part of the world and the golf course and practice facilities at the club are superb.

“It’s great dealing with members and the many visitors, such as a group welcomed from New Hampshire this week.

“We also have the 100^th anniversary of the Highland Open to look forward to in August.

“My first boss at Dullatur, Duncan Sinclair, had been assistant to Pitlochry legend John Panton. He was something of a hero of mine so it’s nice to follow in his footsteps.

“It’s an exciting time for us, with the new season under way.

“I’m a coach by nature so that will be a big part of my role here.

“Pitlochry is a great coaching centre. The facilities, combined with one of the most scenic courses in the country, make it an exceptional place for golf.”

Niall McGill welcomed the latest addition to his Noah’s Ark team.

“Wallace did a wonderful job while he was recovering from surgery,” he said.

“We wish him well on the EuroPro Tour and we’re delighted to get a PGA pro of Gary’s calibre to carry on his good work.”