PGA trio honoured by University of St Andrews

Honorary PGA Members Sandy Lyle, Jose Maria-Olazabal and Sir Bob Charles joined an elite band on the eve of the 150^th Open Championship when they were awarded honorary degrees by the University of St Andrews.

The trio plus six-time major winner Lee Trevino and dual Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew were presented with Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Laws.

The recipients received the degrees in recognition of their outstanding service to the game of golf and join an illustrious roll of honorary graduates that includes Seve Ballesteros, Arnold Palmer, Sir Nick Faldo and Peter Alliss.

Lyle was made an Honorary PGA Member by virtue of playing in the Ryder Cup and winning the 1985 Open at Royal St George’s. He won the Masters three years later and his first steps on the road to golfing glory were monitored by his father Alex Lyle, the head PGA Professional at Hawkstone Park Golf Club, Shropshire.

“That’s where I learned the skills,” he recalled.  “When I went off to tournaments my dad would say, ‘make it look nice, do the waltz not the quickstep’. Very high-tech stuff but it worked.”

Sir Bob Charles became the first New Zealander and left-hander to win a major when he defeated Phil Rodgers in a play-off at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 1963. His fortunes at St Andrews a year later contrasted sharply, however.

“As the defending champion here at St Andrews in 1964 my defence was blown off course by the gale force winds,” he said.

“Therefore, my lack of success on the Old Course has been redeemed by this honorary degree. It’s the culmination of my 64-year relationship with this ‘auld grey toun’ the Home of Golf.”

Olazabal, a two-time major winner and Europe’s inspirational ‘Miracle of Medinah’ Ryder Cup captain, shed a tear prior to receiving his degree.

“When I was a teenage boy I dreamt of winning tournaments, even majors,” he said. “But I never imagined I would be coming here today and joining a group of the biggest names in golf. I am truly honoured.”

Meanwhile, 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus, was even more overcome when he was made an Honorary Citizen of St Andrews by The Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council.

Already an honorary graduate of the University of St Andrews, Dr Nicklaus joined just two other US citizens – Bobby Jones in 1958 and Benjamin Franklin in 1759 – in receiving the honour.

Fighting back the tears, he said: “Thank you so much for this wonderful honour. I am now 82 years old and thank you for remembering and not forgetting me St Andrews.”