Bob Strachan, who has passed away at the age 77, earned golfing fame as a long driving champion before he was elected to PGA Membership in 1978.
His ability to despatch a golf ball huge distances had become apparent six years earlier when he won the European long distance driving competition in Belgium. This followed him winning the Scottish title at Gleneagles and the British one at South Herts Golf Club where he beat Dave Thomas in the final, surpassing the Ryder Cup player’s best effort by 40 yards.
Born and brought up in Cairnbulg, a small fishing village in the north east of Scotland, Bob’s love of golf was fuelled by his parents buying him his first set of clubs from a British Rail lost property office for 37p.
Initially, he trained as an engineer but his success in long driving competitions plus victory in the 1975 Scottish Alliance Championship prompted him to turn pro.
Several observers thought he was good enough to play on Tour, but Bob opted for a club pro’s role, firstly at Fraserburgh Golf Club and then Duff House Royal Golf Club. He was there for 14 years before spending three at the Myrus Golf Centre, Aberdeen, followed by another two at the Pine Lodge Golf Centre, Inverurie.
Prior to his retirement in 2011, Bob had developed an interest in collecting hickory shafted golf clubs, often using his engineering skills to refurbish them. He was also a member of the British Golf Collectors’ Society and played in hickory tournaments, not least in 2005 when he secured a 9-9 draw, ensuring Europe retained the trophy they won at St Andrews in 2003.
Bob is survived by his partner, Liz Taylor, and daughters Claire and Leanne. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them on their loss.
