Monifieth golf professional Ian McLeod, a figure respected in the game throughout Scotland, has died at the age of 66.
The clubs at Monifieth have been flying their flags at half-mast in tribute to the resident professional at the Angus links for 48 years.
Ian McLeod was renowned far beyond Monifieth as a golf coach and clubmaker. He taught players from novices to professionals and took great pleasure when they reported success from his tuition.
Players of all standards also sought his advice for golf equipment, his expertise honed by his apprenticeship as a clubmaker at Tom Morris in St Andrews in the early 1960s.
He also trained numerous assistants at his pro shop overlooking the Monifieth courses, and watched with pride as they carved careers in the golf industry.
Ian was the son of Ron McLeod, the well-known professional who opened the pro shop at Monifieth in 1933. Educated at Invertay Primary in Monifieth and Grove Academy in Broughty Ferry, Ian turned professional in 1963 combining playing with working alongside his father at Monifeth.
He competed in many tournaments including the Scottish Championship, Northern Open, Picadilly and Sunbeam Matchplay and Open qualifiers, events which became part of the early European Tour.
When not playing he learned the other side of being a professional by working in the shop, putting to use his training in clubmaking which was then a major part of a professional’s duties.
He married his wife Margaret in 1969 and after the birth of his son and daughter he took over the running of the Monifieth pro shop in 1975. That was the year his father retired but Ron McLeod was so well-known as a golf professional that Ian kept his father’s name above the door.
Ian also ran the pro shop at Panmure Barry for a few seasons in the early 1980s.
When he reached the age of 50 he competed in some senior tournaments and qualified twice for the Scottish Senior Open.
His ability and reputation could have led to a golfing career far from Monifieth, but his love for the Angus links made him stay.
Writing in promotional literature for Monifieth Golf Links, he said that despite being golf pro there for over 40 years he had never grown bored with the unique east of Scotland setting and its constantly varying conditions.
Ian was also a keen fisherman and a member of Monikie Angling Club. He enjoyed many family holidays in Carrbridge in the Highlands, featuring the attractions of fishing and golf.
After his retirement last year the the Monifieth shop was taken over by son Gordon, also a golf professional, and Ian’s former assistant Lee Sutherland.
Ian also leaves wife Margaret, daughter Lynn and granddaughter Sophia.