Torrance made European Tour life member
Sam Torrance has been made an honorary life member of the European Tour in recognition of his long list of achievements in the game.
Theaccoladewasgrantedto the 63-year-old from Largs by chief executive Keith Pelley at a dinner at Wentworth ahead of the BMW PGA Championship starting there today.
Torrance becomes the 52nd player on an illustrious list that includes the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Watson and Nick Faldo. He’s the fifth Scot to receive the honour after Sandy Lyle (1985), Colin Montgomerie (1997), Paul Lawrie (1999) and Bernard Gallacher (2003).
“I should really be honouring the European Tour for giving me such an arena to play golf,” said Torrance. “What a life, what a journey. It has been so rewarding – the people I’ve met, the places, I’ve been.”
Coached by his father Bob, Torrance turned pro at the age of 16 and joined the European Tour the following year. He achieved his breakthrough win in 1972 - the first of 21 victories on the circuit – and won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award that same year. He holds the record for the most career appearances on the European Tour, with over 700 events.
Torrance also recorded 11 victories on the European Senior Tour and, of course, is a Ryder Cup legend. He was part of the famous 1985 winning team, sinking the winning putt at The Belfry to secure a first victory for Europe in 28 years. He later guided Europe to victory in the event in 2002 at the same venue.
“The Ryder Cup captaincy was definitely the highlight of my career, but I’ve got many memories,” he added. “I won the Australian PGA in 1980, which to this day is still my biggest win. I played with Seve the last two rounds. Seve finished second, Greg Norman finished third. I beat the pair of them and when I came off the last green, Seve said, “hey Sam, you’re very tough to beat”.
“For someone as legendary as that to say that to me, it gave me so much confidence. Up to that point I’d only won twice and hadn’t played in the Ryder Cup yet. I went on to win a few and play in a few Ryder Cups and a lot was down to that great man.”