Tributes from across the golfing spectrum poured in last night for The Herald’s Douglas Lowe, who sadly passed away at the weekend following a devastating illness, writes Nick Rodger.
From the world stage to the grassroots of the domestic scene, Douglas revelled in his wide-ranging role as golf correspondent, a position he held since February 2003. His passion and knowledge of the game, its rules and its traditions consistently shone through in his enlightened reporting, in-depth analysis and authoritative comment.
The author of both The Herald Book of Club Golf and The Herald Book of the Open Championship, as well as a former editor of Golf World Scotland and Scottish Golf Magazine, Douglas was immersed in the game, and his untimely passing, at 59, has robbed golf of one of its finest journalists.
While his career took him around the globe on reporting duties, Helensburgh member Lowe was an avid, and often erratic, golfer himself but he saved his best form for the showpiece events. His success in the Association of Golf Writers’ Championship at Turnberry in 2009 and the Scottish Golf Writers’ tournament at Mar Hall last year (pictured) was a triumphant double whammy that had the rum and diet cokes flowing freely.
With a wit, wisdom and a willingness to goad the hierarchy into taking steps to better the Scottish game, Douglas was a staunch supporter of golf in his homeland and the stream of tributes received speak volumes for his popularity and reputation:
He had a wonderfully dry sense of humour and his love of golf and his job was always apparent. He will be much missed.
Colin Montgomerie, Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup captain, led the tributes when he said: “I am so very sorry to hear about the death of Dougie Lowe. He was a hugely valued member of the golf community and one with whom I enjoyed interacting. He was one of the harder working golf writers on Tour. You’d see him out on the course and he’d always be back at base in time to ask a pertinent question or two. He had a wonderfully dry sense of humour and his love of golf and his job was always apparent. He will be much missed.”
Catriona Matthew, the first Scot to win a women’s major in the 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open at Lytham, remembered Douglas being the only Scottish staff reporter present at the time of her triumph, a fact The Herald man took particular pride in: “It’s with great sadness to hear of the death of Dougie Lowe. One big memory I have of Dougie was when I won the Women’s British Open. He was one of the first to congratulate me and the only Scottish journalist on site that day. He was a great guy, a fantastic journalist and it is a very sad loss for Scottish sports journalism.”
Gary Orr, two-time European Tour winner and Helensburgh Golf Club honorary member: “Dougie was a member at Helensburgh when I was a junior back in 1975. We played a few medals together and became good friends. He always gave me decent coverage being the local man and was just a really nice guy, straightforward and laid back.”
Colin Dalgleish, close friend, fellow Helensburgh member and former Walker Cup captain: “My first job as captain was at the St Andrews Trophy in the Czech Republic in 2006 and having Doug there covering it was very special for me. People will only have great memories of Doug. His loss is desperately sad.”
Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA: “Those of us in authority bristled at some of his comments. But that was his job. He did it very well and that is why he had my utmost respect. Douglas always wanted the golfing bodies to work closer together and we are making progress on that. If we can deliver that dream, then it would be a nice tribute to him.”
Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A: “Douglas was ever-present at the Open but was also a regular at many of the R&A’s amateur events and his dedication and passion for golf, at every level, was formidable. He will be sorely missed.”
Hamish Grey, chief executive of the Scottish Golf Union: “He has been a fantastic supporter of amateur golf in Scotland. Through his Tuesday column, he enlightened readers with an insight into some of the wider issues surrounding golf. His sharp wit in the press room at events will be sadly missed by the players, staff and officials alike.”
Stephen Gallacher echoed the sentiments of a number of Scottish tour players when he said: “Douglas was a consummate pro who knew his stuff. You got him the same all the time and he was a lovely man.” n Andrew Coltart, double European Tour winner: “It’s terrible news. I saw him relatively recently and he looked fine so it’s come as a bit of a shock. Dougie was one of the good guys.”
George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour: “Dougie was a consummate professional whose knowledge and love of the game at all levels shone through. We respected his forthright outlook on golf and it was always a pleasure to spend time in his company. He will be sadly missed by all of us at The European Tour – our sincere condolences go out to Dougie’s family and friends.”
Bob Torrance, veteran golf coach: “It’s a huge loss, both to his family and to golf writing. He was one of the most knowledgeable writers out there and always an interesting and pleasant man to talk to. He was highly respected in the game and he will be very difficult to replace.”
Michael MacDougall, Scottish PGA secretary: “Douglas was a great supporter of Scottish golf and will be sadly missed. He was always very helpful in getting publicity for the PGA and his enthusiasm and passion for the game in this country means his passing leaves a huge void which will be very hard to fill.”
Bernie McGuire, friend and Herald golf contributor, recalls: “Dougie was on a round-the-world ticket in 2004 when he found his way to Australia. We went to cover the ANZ Championship at Nelson Bay, north of Sydney, where we rented a cottage for the week. Dougie was in his element, surfing every morning before breakfast and then heading off to cover the event before delighting all of us around a barbeque with his unique style of humour. He spent so much time on the beach I said to him before he left to cover the WGC Matchplay in California that he looked so tanned and healthy he could have passed for a native Australian! He was a super colleague, a trusted friend and will be very sadly missed.”
*This article, written by Nick Rodger, was reproduced with kind permission of The Herald newspaper.
