The General Committee of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is pleased to announce that John Panton M.B.E. has accepted its invitation to become an Honorary Member of the Club.
John Panton, 89, was, until his retirement in January 2006, the Honorary Professional of the Club, a position he occupied for 17 years.
Panton, who will be 90 in October, turned professional in 1935 and was the club professional to Glenbervie Golf Club from 1946 until his retirement in 1984. He was appointed Honorary Professional to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in September 1988 following the death of Laurie Auchterlonie in August 1987.
Among Panton’s many achievements in an outstanding playing career, he was a member of the Ryder Cup teams of 1951, 1953 and 1961 and captured the World Seniors’ title in 1967 when he defeated Sam Snead 3/2 in the final.
He also represented Scotland in the World Cup 12 times between 1955 and 1968 and won the Scottish Professional Championship on eight occasions.
With the acceptance of John Panton, the total number of Honorary Members is now sixteen. The others are:
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., P.C., K.T., R.N.
His Royal Highness The Duke of York, K.G., K.C.V.O., A.D.C.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, K.G., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O.
President George Herbert Walker Bush, K.G.C.B.
Peter Alliss
John Jacobs, O.B.E.
Tony Jacklin, C.B.E.
Kel Nagle
Jack Nicklaus
Arnold Palmer
Gary Player
Peter Thomson, C.B.E., A.O.
Lee Trevino
Roberto De Vicenzo
Tom Watson
Contact:
Peter Dawson
Secretary
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
Tel: (44) 1334 460000
