Club captain’s tribute to a golfing legend

New Blairgowrie Golf Club captain James Macfarlane has joined the tributes being paid to golf legend Peter Alliss.

Alliss, who passed away at the weekend at the age of 89, was an honorary member of the Perthshire club.

The eight times Ryder Cup player and the BBC’s “Voice of Golf” was the joint architect of the Lansdowne championship course, with his late partner Dave Thomas.

“Peter’s death has saddened golf fans around the world and Blairgowrie members share those sentiments,” said Macfarlane, who succeeded Peter Inglis as captain at last week’s “virtual” annual meeting.

“He made no secret of his fondness for Blairgowrie over the years, often mentioning the club during his unrivalled broadcasts and also in print.

“Peter, accompanied by Jackie, was guest of honour at a 2015 dinner held to mark the 40th anniversary of Lansdowne which, typically, supported his favourite charities.

“Such was the demand from members for tickets that we had to hold a ballot.”

Four years ago Peter was presented with honorary membership of the Big

County club, following a unanimous decision at a club AGM.

The 18th hole of the Lansdowne course had previously been named “Alliss Hame” in his honour.

Then club captain Brian Wesencraft presented Alliss with the accolade at Kingsbarns, where he was commentating at the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

Alliss said: “I am delighted and honoured.

“It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of legendary course designers Dr Alistair MacKenzie and James Braid in creating a golfing legacy in this part of Scotland.

“Blairgowrie is genuinely one of my favourite golfing venues.”

Blairgowrie captain Macfarlane said: “Peter often referred to Blairgowrie as his favourite inland course, saying it ‘oozed charm and class.’

“He joined an exclusive list of honorary members, including Gary Player and our own Glenn Campbell and Bradley Neil, who put the club on the map with their memorable victories in the Scottish and British amateur championships.

“The golf world has lost one of its greatest characters and our thoughts are very much with his wife Jackie and family.”