Giggling lassies

“The quiz question about a post-war golfing local hero in St Andrews brought requests for more information,” writes Fraser Elder.

“The first round draw for the 1950 British Amateur Golf event at the Old Course initially caused little interest with the pairing of J.K. Wilson and H.L. Crosby until fervent bobby-soxers identified the visiting American as crooner Bing Crosby, making his major golfing debut in the UK.

“The matchplay clash with local builder James Wilson and world-famous Bing resulted in a media avalanche which was typified by a national newspaper headline: Golfer Crosby greeted by One Man and 2000 giggling Lassies.

“The local man went on to make history with a 2 and 1 win and more especially a lifetime friendship with the singer. Crosby joined up with his Fife friend 21 years later and between them they evolved a lasting bond by creating an annual event at the Old Course, the Bing Crosby Silver Bowl Trophy which was inaugurated in 1971.

“Crosby’s experience in the Amateur Championship encouraged his movie sparring partner Bob Hope to qualify for the event in 1951 at Porthcawl in Wales but inimitably he wisecracked his way to a first round defeat! Street,” notes a former senior employee of the Dundee Chamber of Commerce.

“By spring 1971 membership had reached almost 800. New kitchens had also been installed in the historic premises which catered for a wide range of social occasions. The success of the club depended on its membership and the full use they made of it.