‘ Son- in- law’ shot at course in duff drives at Prestwick

Still on golf, a tale from the fairways of Prestwick Golf Club which gave me a wry, festive smile.

It seems a senior member was asked to play with a fresh face – a regular courtesy and an informal way of introducing new members to the course and its etiquette.

The new boy topped his drive off the first tee – and was heard to mutter in frustration, “Ach . . . a son- in- law shot . . .”

The senior member ignored the remark – but he heard it again at the second tee after another duffed drive. And again at the third. Curiosity finally got the better of him. “I’ve been playing for 50 years and never heard of the ‘ son- in- law shot’” he politely enquired.

“Well . . .” said the new member . . “Let’s just say my drive wasn’t quite what I had hoped for . . .”