Links legend

Peter Thomson, the Australian golf legend who died on Wednesday, achieved remarkable success on the links as well as in course design and journalism. His wit and indisputable charm made him a favourite among television commentators. No-one was better fun to play with or chat to in the Big Room as the shadowslengthened on a summer’ s day. it re a sure his tales of sharing a room with Sam Snead on the PGA tour but they are not, perhaps, for a family newspaper.

Taken as a child to see him by my father, who was a huge fan, I had made it into the St Andrews University team by the time I travelled to Birkdale in 1965 to see his last and greatest Open victory over Nicklaus, Palmer and Player.

(REV DR) JOHN CAMERON

Howard Place, St Andrews