A DEDICATED greenkeeper at a Johnstone golf club has decided it is time to ‘putt’ his feet up after more than four decades of hard work.
Lachie McGill has proved he is a cut above during his long stint at Cochrane Castle Golf Club but is now looking forward to retirement.
He has spent the past 43 years carefully maintaining the 120-acre grounds.
Lachie told The Gazette: “I turned 66 in September, so I thought now was the right time to go and give someone else a chance at it.
“Never in your wildest dreams do you ever think you’re going to stay in the job for 43 years but the time has just flown by.
“What I enjoyed the most about being a greenkeeper was actually producing a golf course that people enjoyed playing on.
“It’s a hard job and you need enthusiasm for it. On a Saturday morning in the summer, I was leaving the house at 3.30am, so you can’t do it unless you enjoy it.”
The grandad-of-two, who is originally from Renfrew but now lives in Bishopton, has been lauded for his dedication to the role of head greenkeeper.
Willie Mitchell, president of Cochrane Castle Golf Club, said: “Lachie has an absolute passion for the course and is hugely respected by all the members.
“Many members have praised Lachie for the condition of the course and he should feel a real sense of pride when receiving such positive feedback.
“On behalf of all committee members past and present here at Cochrane Castle, I want to wish Lachie all the best on his well-earned retirement.”
Club chairman Ian Storie added: “Hats off to Lachie for achieving 43 years of dedicated service.
“Although, when I say dedicated, that’s probably an understatement, for those who have worked as a greenkeeper know it must be extremely challenging trying to keep 350 or so experts at the club happy, maintaining the high standard of playing conditions that Lachie has achieved over the years.”
Lachie is looking forward to continuing to pursue his passion for gardening and golf, as well as travelling, with a trip to Aviemore taking place this month and a ski holiday in Colorado planned for February.
Andy McGarry will now take over as the new head greenkeeper, having served under Lachie as his deputy for the past two years.
Lachie added: “Andy has got all the experience needed and I’m handing the reins to someone who has every bit of enthusiasm for the job as I have had.”
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