John Boath dies aged 87

The funeral service for Angus-born, retired golf professional John Boath will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, January 5 at Mortonhall Crematorium, Edinburgh.

John, who was 87, died at Woodlands Nursing Home, Livingston before Christmas.

Over a long career, Boath worked at a total of seven golf clubs, on both sides of the border, had a spell as a tournament player and spent the last 20 years of his working life at Braid Hills, Edinburgh.

He played his amateur golf at Carnoustie before being called up for National Service in 1946 and serving in the Middle East.

Boath left school at 14 and started an engineering apprenticeship, which he concluded on his return from National Service.

In 1950, he started a long career as a PGA professional when he joined Fred Bullock, head professional at Glasgow Golf Club, Killermont as an assistant.

After three years, Boath joined Hamish Ballingall, pro at Northumberland Golf Club, where he stayed for one year before playing tournament golf for a spell.

John's next move saw him team up again with Bullock at Moortown Golf Club (pictured), Leeds where England cricket captain Herbert Sutcliffe was the golf club captain.

Boath returned to Scotland and his native Angus with Bullock, who became head pro for the two Dundee muncipal golf clubs, Caird Park and Camperdown.

In 1970, Boath returned to England to join Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas at Dunham Forest Golf Club, Cheshire, as head assistant.

He remained there for the best part of five years and was popular with the members who had a testimonial for him, from which he received £750, a goodly sum 40 years ago.

Finally, Boath returned to Scotland for his final post at Braid Hills Golf Club, Edinburgh where he remained for 20 years before retiring to St Andrews.