JESSIE VALENTINE, one of the most dominant figures in woman’s golf over two decades, has died at the age of 91.

Born in Perth in 1915, Mrs Valentine (nee Anderson) was six times Scottish ladies’ champion and was selected for the Great Britain and Ireland Curtis Cup team on no fewer than seven occasions.

It is widely thought her enviable record would have been even greater had her career not been interrupted by the second world war.

A member of the Craigie Club in Perth, Mrs Valentine won national championships in France and New Zealand as well as being crowned British ladies’ champion three times. She was awarded an MBE in 1959 to recognise her achievement and the following year, aged 45, she turned professional.

She was granted honorary membership of Blairgowrie Golf Club in 1968 and inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Mrs Valentine is survived by son Iain and grandchildren Richard, James and Catherine.