There have been a few celebratory drinks raised to Sam Torrance down the years. And there were a few more hoisted yesterday. With glasses clinking like a shoogling milk float, one of Scotland’s most decorated sporting sons held court as the guest of honour at The PGA in Scotland’s annual lunch in Glasgow; a lavish, festive banquet that ends with the golf writers washing the dishes.
Torrance’s relationship with The PGA runs deep. His late father Bob, the revered swing guru of global renown, was a proud club professional while Sam’s maiden win as a teenage professional came 50 years ago in Lord Derby’s PGA Under-25s Matchplay Championship at Royal Birkdale.
“I beat the mighty Bernard Gallacher in the semi-final and he wouldn’t give me the match on the 18th despite me having two putts from 10 feet,” chuckled Torrance about his fellow Scot. “I’ve never let him forget it.”
