Montrose Golf Links has recognised the work of former professional golfer and TV sports commentator Ewen Murray by granting him an honorary membership.
It is the first time the club, which is the fifth oldest in the world, has granted the award to a television personality.
Murray, whose father was raised in Arbroath, and who retains strong links to Angus, becomes only the third person to receive the honour.
A former European Tour player, Murray is better known as the voice of Sky Sports golf coverage, after joining the team in 1991.
Jason Boyd, PGA professional and operations manager at Montrose Golf Links said: “This has been an eventful year at Montrose Golf Links and for golf in Scotland generally.
“The idea to create a brand surrounding The 1562 Course was a way of refocusing the history of Montrose and invigorating it for the 21st century.
“To mark this milestone, we wanted to recognise an individual who has a strong connection with Montrose, had reached the top level of the sport and had contributed to the growth of the game, and Ewen was the perfect candidate, so we were thrilled when he accepted our proposal.”
Mr Murray described the award as “humbling”.
He said: ““It’s not something you ask for, it’s something you’re asked to become, so when the letter arrived I was thrilled.
“I am very happy to be associated with the fifth oldest course in the world, it’s a big honour.”
The announcement concludes a year of special events at Montrose including a special launch offer and the introduction of a visitor experience package to coincide with the unveiling of the retitled links course.
Murray added: “You look at that land and consider how long it’s been around, and you realise this is a special place.
“On a good day, when you get up on the dunes and look out to sea, I’m not sure I would want to be anywhere else than the east coast of Scotland.
“It just means so much to my family and therefore to me.”
The relaunch of The 1562 Course at Montrose forms a key part of an integrated plan to better recognise 450 years of golfing heritage at Montrose, with the announcement of the honorary membership being the next stage in the plan.
