MONDAY MEMORIES: PAST CLUB PRESIDENT GORDON LAWSON
In the latest episode of our popular “Monday Memories” series of interviews with long-time Royal Dornoch members, Gordon Lawson recalls an amusing incident involving one of Tom Watson’s corporate chums during a game on the Championship Course.
Gordon was among the entourage following the multiple Major winner when he visited Dornoch in 1981.
In his roles as captain and, more recently, club president, the retired Edinburgh solicitor has welcomed various personalities from the golfing world, including Open champion and honorary member Paul Lawrie, Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew and Sky commentator Ewen Murray, whose father, Bob, had taught Gordon the rudiments of the game in his days as a young member at Baberton in the capital.
Watson was playing with Sandy Tatum, the USGA president and two other friends. They had attracted a throng of locals as word quickly spread through the town.
“Tom had been engaging with the crowd following him,” said Gordon.
“He spotted a boy with a baseball cap and pulled him out of the crowd and autographed it.”
Tom then mischievously invited the youngster to ask one of his playing companions from the business world to add his signature to it, saying “I’m sure he will be delighted.”
It transpired the gentlemen was a senior executive with one of the leading US soft drinks giants.
Gordon can’t recall if he was a highflier with Coca-Cola or Pepsi, but the Dornoch lad was sporting the opposition brand!
“He signed it in good part,” laughed Gordon.
Who knows, perhaps that youngster’s souvenir will still be tucked away among his golfing paraphernalia all these years later?
Gordon’s chat with past captain Willie Mackay also recalls a memorable 2007 trip to the United States during his term as captain, when hosts at the Country Club of North Carolina rolled out the red carpet for their visitors, with the bonds between the clubs enduring to this day.
That visit included a never-to-be forgotten invitation to play Pinehurst No 2, the Donald Ross masterpiece, and games at the Atlanta Athletic Club and East Lake courtesy of fellow Royal Dornoch members.
In his role as president, Gordon presented Lorne Rubenstein with life membership of the club, in recognition of the role played by the Canadian author’s enduring classic “A Season in Dornoch” in enhancing the club’s international profile.
During a conversation, it transpired they had both shared a similar life-enhancing “Dornoch Moment,” marvelling at the vista offered from the 7th tee of the Championship Course, with the linksland stretching out beneath them and the sun glinting off the waters of the Firth.
To enjoy Gordon’s “Monday Memories” see the video below: