Golfer who inspired countless youngsters, Barrie Douglas, 68

Tributes have been paid to Barrie Douglas, who died at the age of 69 after taking ill in Spain.

One of the most popular figures in Scottish golf, his love of the sport inspired countless youngsters.

A former Scotland boys international and a multiple club champion at Craigie Hill and Blairgowrie, he passed away with his family by the bedside at a hospital in Cartagena.

He is survived by his wife Trish and daughters Susan and Jennifer.

Barrie had been acting as Scottish Golf’s European Boys’ captain at the Team Championship in La Manga when he was rushed to hospital last month and diagnosed with a critical lung condition.

He played a key role in the development of a number of young players over the years, including Wallace Booth, Daniel Young and Bradley Neil.

Blane Dodds, chief executive of Scottish Golf, said: “I know that Barrie was highly respected and very popular.

“He invested so much in the game he loved and it was such a big part of his life.”

Duncan Weir, executive director of golf development at the R&A, said: “Barrie was a tremendous servant to Scottish golf over many years and was a widely respected figure in international amateur golfing circles.”

Charlie Gallagher, president of Perth and Kinross County Golf Union, said: “No one has done more for county golf in Perth and Kinross than Barrie.

“He was involved for 55 years, from his days as an under-14 junior and playing for the boys’ and men’s teams before filling every role on the administrative side, serving as the boys’ and men’s team captain, manager and president.” Barrie took up golf as a youngster at Craigie Hill. He was also a member of Blairgowrie, the Royal Perth Golfing Society and Perth Academy FPs.

He also played 1st XV rugby for Perthshire, curled with St Martins and kept an eye on St Johnstone.

In his business life Barrie was highly respected in the printing industry and for many years owned Jackson the Stationer in St John Street.

The funeral arrangements will be confirmed at a later date.

Barrie Douglas.