Local pro’s book wins praise from ‘voice of golf’

Boath family decide to publish man’s story of his contribution to and love of the sport

The “voice of golf” – legendary BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss – has given a Tayside golf professional’s life story his seal of approval.

Angus-born retired PGA golf professional John Boath had already written about his “extraordinary” lifetime in golf just before he died aged 87 in 2015.

Mr Boath did not initially write it with a book in mind but simply wanted to produce something that his family could look upon in years to come. However, his family have since decided to get the autobiography published.

Mr Alliss said: “Over the years many of the world’s greatest sportsmen and women have written books on the various ways they’ve risen to the top of the sporting world.

“It’s not often, however, you get a bread and butter professional writing their story, which, because of a variety of things, does not have the glamour attached to those that win gold medals and great trophies, but nevertheless are the backbone of the game.”

Mr Alliss said it was a book “for lovers of golf” and paid tribute to Mr Boath’s “contribution to this extraordinary, crazy, wonderful world of golf”.

Mr Boath and Mr Alliss go back many years after first meeting at the 1946 Boys International at Bruntsfield Links when Scotland competed against England.

“From Carnoustie to St Andrews ... a Golf Professional’s Journey” tells the story of a man whose every waking moment found him playing, thinking or talking about golf.

Mr Boath’s son, Cameron, said: “His recognised talent for teaching the game of golf and reputation in supporting and encouraging players at all levels, watching each one of them progress and noticeably improve, meant everything to him.

“The many, many letters he received from pupils who were thrilled with the improvement in their game spoke volumes.”

The autobiography was edited by Dalhousie Golf Club captain Donald Ford, who described Mr Boath’s story as “typically enthusiastic, frank and vivid”.

Inquiries about the book, which costs £11.95 plus postage, can be made to johnboathgolf@hotmail.com

John Boath, above, and Peter Alliss.