Blairgowrie past captain Bonar Watson, 95, served in that role during the period leading up to the opening of the club’s second championship course, Lansdowne, in 1979. Presenting the award, current club captain Alistair Batchen said it recognised Mr Watson’s “exceptional service, leadership, and lifelong loyalty to Blairgowrie Golf Club and to the game of golf more widely.”
“Bonar played a vital leadership role during a period of significant development in the club’s history, with the benefits being still enjoyed by members today and long into the future,” he added.
“Beyond titles and offices held, it is Bonar’s character that has left the greatest impression. He has always represented Blairgowrie Golf Club with dignity, generosity, and sportsmanship, setting an example admired across generations.”
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Mr Watson took up the game as an eight‑year‑old at Craigie Hill, where he would later serve as captain when the clubhouse there opened in 1966. He received his offer of membership from Blairgowrie in 1952 on the same day as he was called up for national service with the Ordnance Corps, but worked most of his life in the family business Watsons of Perth.
“I managed to defer joining the club until 1954 as I wasn’t wanting to pay eight guineas and not manage to play any golf for the next two years,” he recalled.
Mr Batchen added: “Whether through his contribution as a competitor, his extensive service on the committee, or his time as captain, Bonar has consistently given his time, experience, and judgement for the good of the club.”
Cabot to break ground on new golf accommodation near Inverness
Stuart McColm of Cabot Highlands says up to £40m could be invested in the next two years (Image: Supplied)
With its newest course moving into full operation this year, the Cabot Collection is getting ready to break ground on additional accommodation for golfers visiting the Scottish Highlands. In the latest from the Around the Greens series, vice president of golf development Stuart McColm explains how the resort’s location and Cabot’s real‑estate model are driving construction.
For the diary…
The BIGGA Scotland Conference will be held on February 24 at the Carnegie Conference and Events Centre in Dunfermline
Scottish Golf Tourism Week will take place from March 10-12 at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh
The Scottish Golf Tourism Awards will be held on March 12 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
The Scottish Golf Annual Awards will take place on March 27 at voco Grand Central in Glasgow
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