Scottish golf: Amateur ace mourned, Glasgow glory, Dunbracken delight, former pro wins club championship

Allan Brodie, one of Scotland’s top amateurs in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 76.

“It was with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Allan Brodie, one of Scotland’s truly great golfers,” said a post on the Dumbartonshire Golf Union website.

Brodie, a Balmore member, represented Scotland in the Home Internationals, as well as the European and World Amateur Team Championships, throughout the 1970s.

Individually, his finest hour came when winning the Scottish Amateur in 1977 at Troon, where he beat East Renfrewshire’s Paul McKellar by one hole in the final.

That triumph helped him earn selection for GB&I in the Walker Cup in 1977 at Shinnecock Hills before facing the Americans again two years later at Muirfield.

Over the two matches, Brodie picked up an impressive five-and-a-half points, including three singles successes.

“Allan was able to attend the Walker Cup in St Andrews in September this year along with his wife Gillian and son Craig, spending some time with fellow local Walker Cup players Colin Dalgleish and David Carrick. It is such a shock that he is no longer with us,” added the DGU post.

Inter-Cities Cup back in Glasgow hands

The Inter-Cities Cup is back in Glasgow hands for the first time since 2018 after Glasgow Golf Club beat Craigielaw in this year’s contest at Douglas Park.

Glasgow had lost to Duddingston in the previous two clashes between the winners of the Boundary Bell at the west end of the M8 and Edinburgh Summer League at the east end of it.

But it was third-time lucky against new opponents as Craigielaw’s first appearance in the annual match resulted in a 6.5-2.5 defeat for the East Lothian club.

After Neil MacRae and Angus Carrick had shared the spoils in the top match, match-winning points were delivered for Glasgow by Angus Watson, Clark Nelson, Greg Telfer, Daniel Forbes, Steven Rettie and Colin Peddie. It was the club’s first triumph in the match, which was first held in 2005.

Dunbracken delight in national match-play event

Gleneagles club Dunbracken Ladies claimed the title of Scottish champions in this year’s Kyocera Golf Club Classic, run by Matchplay Golf and claimed to be the biggest UK club competition with over 800 clubs competing.

“What an achievement,” said Lianne Muirhead of the success, which was secured with a victory over Merchants of Edinburgh in the sixth round. “To say that I am proud to play for and captain the Dunbracken Ladies team would be a complete understatement, as they never fail to amaze.

“We have a squad of players who have demonstrated sheer and utter dedication and have gone above and beyond. The commitment really has been second to none. A fantastic team effort by a fantastic group of ladies.

“A thank you must also go to Alison Jones in the Gleneagles Golf Operations Office. She is our secret weapon. Alison is a member at Glenbervie, who were finalists last year, so understands how tough the competition is and has been extremely helpful and supportive.”

Dunbracken fell at the final hurdle in their bid to secure a trip to Montecastillo in Spain for the final stages after losing 3-2 away to Bolton Old Links.

Andy Marshall makes mark back in amateur ranks

Former PGA professional Andy Marshall is the new Prestwick St Nicholas club champion after claiming the title in his first season back in the amateur ranks.

A pro for more than 40 years, Marshall began his career at Lindrick Golf Club in Yorkshire before moving to Kingsknowe in Edinburgh then, for the last 20 years, being attached to and coaching at Houston Golf Range in West Lothian.

He was reinstated as an amateur at the end of March after moving down to Ayr with his wife Norma and the scratch player said: “I’m loving my golf, having had a warm welcome from everyone at the club, and the club championship is the icing on the cake.”

PGA recognition for North-East stalwart Ronnie McDonald

Ronnie McDonald, one of the teaching professionals here at Newmachar Golf Club, has been recognised by the PGA for 50 years’ service.

McDonald played in The Open in both 1975 and 1977 before becoming a prolific winner of events in the North-East.

He has worked in a number of locations in the Aberdeen area, having also spent some time running a golf club in the US close to Augusta.

“Few pros have the experience that Ronnie has nor the enthusiasm that he brings with him every day,” said a social media post by Newmachar about the honour.

Scottish Golf repeats Open Winter Series

Following the popularity and success of the inaugural PING Scottish Open Winter Series last year, Scottish Golf is running it again for the 2023 season. The first event took place this week at Montrose Links, where Carnoustie duo John Reid and Andrew Nicholson hit birdies to come out on top, with others to come at Fairmont St Andrews in November and Ayr Belleisle in March.

The inclusive series - it is played in pairs and involves a total of 70 golfers - is designed to offer a fun and friendly competitive opportunity for golfers of all abilities and handicaps.

Scottish Golf Senior Events Manager Toni Ffinch said: “The Winter Series offers great value for money, giving golfers a fantastic opportunity to play some brilliant courses during the winter months through a variety of fun team events.”