Alva Golf Club will always have a special place in my heart, after all it's where it all started for me. As a young boy taking up the game in the late 1940's I remember the words of encouragement I received from the members at that time. In particular, I will forever be indebted to George Graham, who took me under his wing at an early age and helped me to become the golfer I am today. With it's small greens and undulating fairways Alva was an ideal place to learn the difficult shots in golf, this knowledge I took with me when I turned Professional in 1958. Now Alva Golf Club has reached it's Centenary I thank the club for the past and wish it well for the future.

Above: Frank Rennie next to the cairn marking the first ever Open Championship played at Prestwick in 1860.

My first game of golf was on Alva Golf Course in 1962, it was to set me off on a career that would bring success on both the European and Australian tours, representing Scotland in the world cup and the ultimate experience of playing in a Ryder Cup. The expression of needing one leg shorter than the other comes to mind with Alva Golf Course, however the invaluable experience of executing sidehill, uphill, downhill and the occasional flat lie certainly contributed to my success.

Above: Norman Wood winning his singles match over Lee Trevino in the 1975 Ryder Cup.

While having many fond memories of Alva Golf Club I will always remember it for being one of the friendliest I have ever known, it gives me great pleasure in wishing the Club all the best for it's Centenary year, and for many years to come.