Stornoway Golf Club

1 day ago

It was with huge sadness that the club learned today of the death of past captain Stewart MacDonald.

Newer and younger members would probably not have been aware of the man who, over the course of his golfing ‘career’, acquired the status of legend, though not universally as a result of his golfing prowess.

Stewart was what is euphemistically referred to as a ‘character’ about the place.

In the Stornoway Golf Club Centenary magazine of 1990, only a dozen members were afforded the status of ‘Club Characters’, their names etched for posterity in print.

His entry read:

“Vice Captain, past Secretary, past Match Secretary. Looking for a wife, and has searched assiduously in parts of Western Europe for a worthy woman. A Free Church background and a substantial dowry would be advantageous. Rotten people have accused Stewart of having very deep and tight pockets. All he is trying to do is discourage people from drinking too much alcohol, especially if it has to be at his expense. He sticks to Lucozade, and buys his own. He bought a round in 1975, on the 1st of April.”

Older members will recall how Stewart positively revelled in his ‘accolade’ of being a miserly sort of fellow.

Dour and hung-dog in his demeanour, he loved playing the part of ‘Scrooge’ around the place, never knowingly enlivening any company with wit, repartee or, heaven forbid, jocularity of any sort.

If you didn’t know him, you might have concluded that he ran pretty deep.

Those of us who knew him properly knew better.

It was all a massive act and, though he thoroughly enjoyed the billing, the real Stewart was a thoughtful, funny and hugely entertaining companion.

He was quick-witted too, and could ‘cut the legs’ from anyone bold enough, or perhaps unwitting enough, to take him on in a verbal joust.

Behind all the fun, however, was a man who gave an enormous amount to Stornoway Golf Club.

His work for the club in his many roles, and particularly his instrumental contribution in the lead-up to the building of our ‘new’ clubhouse, surely marks him down as one of its great stalwarts.

Very few can claim to have contributed so much.

His golf game, while Stewart himself would never have claimed it was accomplished, certainly managed to confuse some sporting greats.

Partnering him at a Bethesda Challenge fundraiser, a bemused Kenny Dalglish, having watched Stewart play most of his round right-handed, suddenly asked: “Are you putting left-handed?”

“Of course I am,” responded Stewart. “102 caps for Scotland and it’s only just now you noticed?”

Suitably chastised, King Kenny could only laugh and scratch his head.

While golf isn’t the kind of game where your facial expression is in the slightest bit relevant, Bridge, on the other hand, most certainly is.

That was Stewart’s real passion, and he excelled at it.

Various partners over the years will readily testify to his prowess.

For all the carefully cultivated dourness, the legendary reluctance to put his hand in his pocket and the Scrooge-like persona he so enjoyed, there was much more to Stewart MacDonald.

Those fortunate enough to know the man behind the act will remember a loyal clubman, a wonderful character and a very good friend.

Stornoway Golf Club is a poorer place for his passing.

Rest now, old friend. You served us well. ... See MoreSee Less