Scottish golf club honours 95-year-old member who is still playing

Bonar Watson, a retired Perthshire businessman, has been afforded Honorary Membership in recognition of “exceptional service, leadership and lifelong loyalty to Blairgowrie Golf Club and to the game of golf more widely”.

He is a former club captain and won the club championship in 1957 when he was playing off a handicap of three. These days, Watson has to settle for a game on the club’s Wee Course, but is happy with that, nonetheless, after joining 70 years ago.

“This has come as a real surprise, but a very pleasant one,” he admitted. “While I began golfing as an eight-year-old at Craigie Hill just before the war and went on to be captain when the clubhouse opened there in 1966, I have a deep affection for Blairgowrie, stretching back to the 1950s.

“I remember two letters coming in at much the same time in 1952. One was from Blairgowrie offering me membership, the other was calling me up for National Service with the Ordnance Corps down south.

“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.”

‘Consistently given his time’

Watson, who spent his working life as a partner with family business Watson’s of Perth, was presented with his Honorary Membership by club captain Alistair Batchen. He said: “Bonar’s association with the club has been characterised by an unwavering commitment, quiet dedication, and genuine care for its members and future.

“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.”

Bonar’s captaincy involved smoothing out various challenges in advance of the opening of the Lansdowne Course, designed by the late Peter Alliss – the BBC’s “Voice of Golf” - and Dave Thomas.

“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,” added Batchen.

“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.

“His continued participation in the life of the club remains an inspiration and a source of genuine affection among the membership.

‘This club means a great deal to me’

“This award is a small token of the immense gratitude felt by the club for all that Bonar has given us over so many years. The committee was unanimous in believing that Honorary Membership is both fitting and richly deserved.”

Blairgowrie, where former Amateur champion Stuart Wilson is the managing secretary has just been announced to host both The R&A Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Amateur Championships next year.

“We have a complex here of two championship courses and the wonderful Wee Course is a real gem,” said a proud Watson. “Blairgowrie is a marvellous golf club and it means a great deal to me.”