Alan Scott served Roehampton Club for almost three decades and in doing so ensured the family’s association with it lasted more than half a century.
Alan, who was born in Cumbria, was the son of Syd Scott, runner up in the 1954 Open Championship and member of the Great Britain and Ireland team that contested the Ryder Cup at Thunderbird Country Club, California, in 1955.
Although golf was in his genes, Alan also played rugby and cricket to a high standard and was a formidable opponent on the tennis court whether wielding the racket with his left or right hand.
He developed a passion for golf at Carlisle City Golf Club where Syd was the head professional and continued to develop his skills as a junior member at Wentworth and Roehampton following his father’s appointment there.
Alan was 15 at the time and he represented England in the Matchplay Championship against Scotland in the same year. He was the only player to win both his singles and foursomes and more success followed in 1960 when he was captain of the England Under 18 team that claimed an historic 8-0 win over Scotland.
He resisted the temptation to turn pro, however, and in 1961 began working for Slazenger, eventually becoming the company’s golf manager and travelling the world. He met, worked with, played and became friends with many of the game’s greats. Reminiscing in his final days, he recounted having a putting competition with Jack Nicklaus, being given tips by Gary Player, meeting Seve Ballesteros and playing a practice round with Tony Lema in the year he won the Open
Alan put those experiences to good use when his hectic travel schedule afforded him time to play competitively: he won the Roehampton club championship four times and set the course record for an amateur with a round of 64.
He finally turned professional in 1977 and was elected to PGA Membership in 1980, the year he succeeded his father as head pro at Roehampton.
He loved the coaching aspect of the job and was renowned for his calm and patient approach. He also enjoyed his Captain and Pro matches and remembered them fondly, especially when he posted three successive twos, the last of which was an albatross.
In addition to coaching and playing, Alan, with valuable assistance from his wife, Susan, following her retirement from teaching, ran a pro shop renowned for its warm welcome and choice of quality products that was hugely popular with members and visitors.
Off the course and away from the club, Alan sat on the Professional Golfers’ Regional Committee and was Surrey PGA Captain. In addition, he played a key role when the Surrey Open was staged at Roehampton.
Alan retired in 2008, the year that saw him awarded honorary membership by Roehampton and the PGA and the start of the annual club competition named after him, the Alan Scott Trophy.
Alan, who will be remembered for his warmth and gentle demeanour, is survived by Susan, his children Caroline and Grant, their families, and Joan, his sister. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them on their loss.
*Alan’s funeral service on February 11 will be private but anyone who knew him is welcome to attend a reception at Roehampton Club from 2.30pm onwards
