PETER McEVOY - Ayrshire based amateur golf legend passes away

The golfing community in Ayrshire and far beyond was saddened to learn of the recent passing of legendary amateur golfer and Royal Troon Golf Club Honorary Member Peter McEvoy, who died on Sunday the 6th of April 2025 at the age of 72.

Though born in London, Peter spent his early years in the West of Scotland before his family moved back South where he joined Copt Heath Golf Club where he was later made an Honorary member, after representing the club in the highest level of amateur golf for many years.

An England internationalist for many years, Peter became Amateur Champion at Ganton in 1977 and became only  the fifth, and to date the last, player to retain the title when he won again at Royal Troon in 1978. 

Ten years after his first victory he reached the final of The Amateur Championship again at Prestwick where he lost out to Paul Mayo from Wales.

A silver medallist as leading amateur in The Open Championship in 1978 and 1979, Peter also played three times in The Masters, making the cut on one of those occasions.

As well as representing England on the international stage for many years, Peter played in five Walker Cup teams, losing out on the first four occasions before enjoying success at Peachtree in 1989 as a member of the first Great Britain & Ireland side to triumph in the competition on American soil, alongside fellow Ayrshire resident Jim Milligan of Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club.

After standing down from international golf, Peter moved into the administration of the game and ten years after his success as a player in the Walker Cup he successfully captained the Great Britain & Ireland team to further success in the competition at Nairn in 1999.

Peter received an OBE in 2003 for his services to golf.

In recent years peter resided in Alloway and played his golf as a valued and popular member of Royal Troon, and The Ayrshire Golf Association were honoured when Peter agreed to be the guest speaker at the annual dinner of The Association in 2018, where he regaled the company with many of his inspiring and amusing stories from his many years of playing amateur golf at the highest level.

For those fortunate to have known or met peter, they will surely remember a gentleman who was good company and a fine character who was widely respected throughout the golfing world, who will be sadly missed by many.

Sincere condolences are extended from The Association to Peter’s wife Helen and children Cameron, Richie, Douglas and Mary, the extended family, and Peter’s close friends at this sad time.