US PGA president hails Carnoustie Golf Club’s heritage during 175th anniversary visit

By Graham Brown

September 25 2017, 8:26am

Carnoustie Golf Club vice-captain Richard Jennings, club overseas historian David Mackesey, club captain Bill Thompson and Paul Levy, President of the US PGA.

The Carnoustie Golf Club’s 175^th anniversary celebrations have continued with a Tayside welcome being extended to one of the leading figures in the global game.

United States PGA president Paul Levy was the weekend guest of honour at the official opening of the heritage wall, a celebration of history reflecting the club’s remarkable achievements in the game which is regarded as one of the best collections of its kind anywhere in the world.

Mr Levy, the 40^th president of the US body, had been in the UK for the 28^th PGA Cup and Carnoustie Golf Club was thrilled he was able to take up their invitation to travel north.

A series of events have already been held to mark the milestone anniversary and the programme will conclude with a gala dinner in November, but club captain Bill Thompson said the weekend event was a highlight.

“We were able to welcome Mr Levy for three days. He played golf for three days and he saw the area at its best in that time,” said Mr Thompson.

The golf club’s proud history has been charted in a new book, written by Donald Ford and unveiled in July, and Mr Thompson said the heritage wall was a fitting further addition to the Links Parade clubhouse, built some 50 off years after the club’s formal constitution in 1842.

There are many highlights within the club’s prized collection of memorabilia but high among them is the medal collection of the Smith brothers – Willie and Alex Smith – both of whom captured the US Open Championship.

“We were approached a number of years ago and asked to sell the US open medals for a significant sum, so last year we shut the club down and embarked on a refurbishment project so we could properly display all of the important memorabilia we have,” said Mr Thompson.

“We now have what we believe to be the fifth best collection in world golf and for us to have the 40^th president of the US PGA come and say how amazing that collection is was very special.

“He graciously accepted an overseas membership and we look forward to welcoming Mr Levy, and many other American guests, back when the Open returns to Carnoustie next year.”.