Largs legendary golfer Sam Torrance told the 'News' that he was delighted to attend the historic 125th anniversary Pro-Am event at Kelburn Golf Club on Friday.
Sam, who is a former Ryder Cup winning player and captain, returned to his hometown course, in a prestigious Pro-Am, sponsored by Harry Fairburn, and there was an excellent turn-out on the day to support the event, which had a mixture of sunshine and showers.
However, Sam teed off at 12.30 in fair weather, and was given a round of applause.
He said: "It is great to be back at Largs Golf Club for its 125th anniversary - I am just so glad I could make it - I miss it greatly, but what can you do?
"I have many happy memories here - I recall the 18th hole which used to be one of the best holes in golf, the green used to be at the gate, and you would drive a four iron right across the car park, it was a fantastic hole.
"I have always loved playing here, and we are lucky in Largs to have such great golfing assets in Kelburn Golf Club and Routenburn - both have wonderful views, and bring a lot of people to the area, so it is great."
It was a real scoop for the golf club to attract Sam, and his visit had added importance and poignancy, as the club have revealed that they are going to name the main lounge at Largs Golf Club after his father, coaching extraordinaire, Bob's memory.
Sam said: "It is a lovely tribute, and a great honour for him. It all started for my dad here, as he was a greenkeeper at Largs before he was a professional at Routenburn, so it all started here for my father. It is excellent - and he deserved it."
The naming of the main lounge in Bob Torrance's memory comes three years after the Sam Torrance junior lounge was opened at the clubhouse, and Sam donated a signed picture to the club.
Delighted Secretary Debbie Boyce said: "To have this association with these amazing men - past and present - is a brilliant accolade."
"With the club having its 125th anniversary this year, it had a big swing on encouraging Sam to take part. It is real that we are having a real local hero coming along to take part in the Pro-Am which will start at 12.30.
"It is a real boost - without a doubt, this is amazing we have managed to get this to happen - it was pure luck that he was actually in Scotland playing two tournaments when he was approached, and he said, yes, he would."
Head Greenkeeper Iain Barr said: "It is great to get Sam involved. 125 years is quite an accolade, and is one of the earliest clubs in the area, and it is a fair feat, and hopefully we can keep it going for another 125 years.
"There is a phenomenal work that goes into preparing the greens, and we work hard and most of the boys have each put in 60 hours during the past week to make sure the course is ready for the Pro-Am, and they played on Friday, and reaped the rewards for the hard work that they have done.
"This winter was one of the wettest on record, and it was a challenge to keep the course ticking over, and now we are heading into summer, and hopefully there will be lots of smiling faces enjoying the golf club in its 125th year."