JOHN PANTON AWARD - Frank Rennie honoured by PGA

Frank Rennie

Long-serving Prestwick PGA professional Frank Rennie received the John Panton Award at the annual Scottish PGA luncheon, held in Glasgow on Wednesday 19th December, for his services to the game.

From the PGA Scottish Region website)

It was a poignant moment for the 75-year-old as the late, great John Panton had given Rennie his first ever golf lesson more than half a century ago.

"It's quite an achievement to receive this award and it was John Panton who was my inspiration to become a professional," said Rennie.

"He also gave me my first ever golf lessons at Glenbervie. It was quite emotional receiving this honour because we were good friends. It was also nice that many of my members from Prestwick were here as well."

Rennie grew up in a small village called Alva near Sterling and began his career at Gleneagles in 1958 before moving to Prestwick in 1962, becoming only the fifth pro since Old Tom Morris and where he stayed for 42 years.

He won the Northern Open in 1971 and played in a couple of Open Championships including at Muirfield in 1966 when he played the last two rounds with Panton.

Also receiving recognition at the luncheon, which raises vital money for the PGA Benevolent Fund, was former Walker Cup player, David Patrick, who received the Stewart Thom Award for the leading third-year young professional on the PGA Foundation Degree.

Respected golf writer and broadcaster Renton Laidlaw received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to the golfing media.

Guest speaker at the lunch was Colin Montgomerie