PGA Scottish Region
By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman
16th at Uphall has been named ‘Gordon Law’ in recognition of his 35 years at West Lothian club
A well-known Scottish PGA professional has had a hole named after him in recognition of his 35-year service at one golf club.
The 16th at Uphall Golf Club in West Lothian will now be known simply as ‘Gordon Law’ after the man who was widely known as ‘Mr Uphall’.
In his time flying the flag for the club, Law won the Scottish PGA Championship, Northern Open and PGA Professional Championship. He also played in the PGA Cup on three occasions and made the cut in the 125th Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1996 as a qualifier.
Gordon Law left Uphall Golf Club earlier this year after serving as the club’s first PGA professional for 35 years | Contributed
At one time, the ‘Lawman’ held the course record at no less than seven venues at a time when the Tartan Tour’s leading lights included record money-winner Colin Gillies, who passed away recently.
Law decided it was time to take a well-deserved break earlier this year and now his legacy at Uphall will be remembered by both members and visitors alike.
“Without Gordon in charge, the club would not have been able to organise some of the most amazing events we have held over the years, such as his well-known Pro Days and invitational Silloths,” said the club in an email to members. “During several of these Pro Days, Gordon would host the renowned ‘nearest the pin at 16 with a left-handed club` after a few beers!
“Off the course, Gordon's influence, passion, and commitment to our club were critical to the construction of our new clubhouse after the old one was destroyed by a fire in 2021. He put together and chaired the project team that resulted in the amazing new building we have today.
“The club committee thought that these accomplishments and efforts should now be acknowledged as a token of appreciation and, so the decision to rename our iconic 16th hole was taken following a number of conversations and recommendations.
“It will now be known as 'Gordon Law', This has been included on our new tee sign and will be on our new scorecards.”
The 16th hole at Uphall will now be known simply as ‘Gordon Law’
Law was Uphall’s first professional, with his big shoes having been filled by Sam Craigon, who has been put in place by Craig Donnelly Golf.
“When I sent Gordon a picture of the tee sign, his response was very typical of him and his sense of humour,” said the club’s match secretary, Stephen Jamieson.
"He replied by saying: ‘It’s really good, though I don’t really require any legacy…and I wonder how long it will take to be defaced!”
David Scott chosen to succeed his great friend and mentor Jim Farmer
David Scott, a proud St Andrean, has been appointed as the new Honorary Professional of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, succeeding his great friend and mentor Jim Farmer in becoming just the sixth person to hold the prestigious post.
Scott, who is the current captain of The PGA, is a well-known figure in UK and Scottish golf and also further afield through his roles over the years at Kingsbarns, The Duke’s in St Andrews and his current job as general manager of Dumbarnie Links.
“I’m deeply honoured to have been appointed Honorary Professional by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews,” he said of his new role following the passing of Farmer last year.
“Having grown up playing golf in the town, I know just how important a role The Royal and Ancient Golf Club plays in the sport and it is a privilege to become involved and support the members.”
Born and raised in St Andrews, Scott’s father was club champion at the St Andrews Golf Club and it was no surprise that he was immersed in golf from an early age.
He qualified as a PGA Professional in 1985 and won the award as Scottish Assistant of the Year in the final exam.
After serving as an assistant and then club professional, he went on to become director of golf at Kingsbarns Golf Links, golf manager and director of operations at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa before taking up his current role at Dumbarnie Links in 2020.
“We are delighted that David will become the club’s Honorary Professional,” said Mark Darbon, secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. “He is a hugely-popular figure and brings a wealth of experience in golf to the role. I’m sure the members will be looking forward immensely to working with him.”
Scott lives in St Andrews with his wife Yvonne and has two grown-up children, Jenna and David junior, and two grandchildren, Jessica and Freya.
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