A permanent memorial has been installed at Carnoustie’s championship course to honour a “true legend of the Links”.
Carnoustie’s award-winning caddie master Martin Roy died suddenly at the age of 59 in September and his death left the golfing world in Tayside and beyond in mourning.
He was a fixture beside the first tee of the championship course for more than 25 years and carried a bag for famous faces such as US President George H.W Bush and American astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Mr Roy’s daughters Ailsa, Laura and Jenna have been left overwhelmed after the caddies of Carnoustie raised money to install a wooden bench on the first tee to honour his memory.
The inscription chosen by Ailsa states that he was a “true legend of the Links” and “a one off, never to be forgotten”.
She said: “Laura, Jenna and I can’t thank the caddies enough for the lovely tribute.
Dads memorial bench. Laura, Jenna and I can't thank the caddies enough for the lovely tribute. #stunning pic.twitter.com/o0FnwUyBiK
— ailsa roy (@ailsa_roy) April 27, 2016
“Those words just sum him up – he really was a one off and he won’t ever be forgotten.
“People still speak about him every day and what he built up down here will ensure his legacy lives on.”
She said the messages they have received from across the world have been of great comfort to the family since his death.
Born in Glasgow, Mr Roy was brought up in Carnoustie and played golf from a young age before starting work at Carnoustie Golf Links in 1984.
He was awarded the 2008 and 2011 Caddie Master of the Year title from Golf Tourism Scotland having previously picked up similar awards from 1999 to 2004 and then again in 2006.
He was inducted into the Professional Caddie Association of America’s Hall of Fame, becoming the first non-American caddie master to be bestowed the honour.
Mr Roy devoted his life to Carnoustie and was known to go that extra mile to ensure a visiting golfer had the very best experience during their visit.
Within his role he would successfully fulfil up to 9,000 caddie requests a season and would also caddie in Florida during the winter months.
Mr Roy worked alongside his daughter Ailsa at Carnoustie Golf Links for 10 years before his passing and she has now taken over her father’s role.
“I’m a bit nervous but I’m also really excited to be continuing the great job he did,” she said.
