When The Open visits St Andrews, it is a unique opportunity for Scotland's first university to celebrate its historic association with golf and to honour those who are recognised nationally and internationally for outstanding contributions to the game.
Tuesday 13 July 2010 Younger Hall 3pm
Click images above to read biographies
Known to many in St Andrews as “Mr Golf”, Jim Farmer is a hugely influential figure in the sport. As a youngster, he first played golf in his home town of St Andrews, at the Old Course. He qualified for the Open Championship when it was held there in 1970 and went on to play in a further five Opens.
His contribution to golf extends beyond his playing career. He operated the Jim Farmer Golf Shop in St Andrews for around 20 years. He later established himself as a successful Scottish national coach. He also coached a number of players, including Paul Lawrie, winner of the 1999 Open Championship.
In 2006 he was appointed Honorary Professional to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, becoming just the fifth person to hold the post. This year he was honoured with a life membership of the St Andrews Golf Club, the club he joined in his youth.
This profile is based on a contribution from leading golf writer Douglas Miller. The full article is published in a commemorative graduation programme. Programmes cost £5 and will be available for purchase from the ticket collection point and at Younger Hall. All proceeds go to University scholarship funds.
The Open Champion of 2007 and 2008, Padraig Harrington will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa in recognition of his achievements and outstanding contributions to the game of golf.
Padraig Harrington’s original plan was to work in the golf industry as an accountant. But he turned his attention to playing golf halfway through his exams.
As a certified accountant, he feels that his studies have contributed to his mentality and discipline while playing golf. This is reflected in his style of golf which has been praised for its “meticulous attention to detail”.
This profile is based on a contribution from leading golf writer Dermot Gilleece. The full article is published in a commemorative graduation programme. Programmes cost £5 and will be available for purchase from the ticket collection point and at Younger Hall. All proceeds go to University scholarship funds.
While Arnold Palmer won two Open Championships, his contribution to the tournament has gone far beyond that. After the war, players from the United States had largely stopped entering the Open Championship. Arnold Palmer is widely credited with restoring the prestige of the championship among his American compatriots, thereby helping ensure the position the Open Championship takes in the golfing firmament today.
Arnold Palmer was one of the biggest golfing figures as the sport began to be televised. Fans flocked to St Andrews when he arrived to play in the Centenary Open in 1960. With his risky, adventurous approach to golf, he did not disappoint the crowds, even though he lost the tournament by a shot.
His contribution to golf, and the Open Championship in particular, has been outstanding. He is largely credited with making the sport attractive to sponsors, and restoring the Open to its place as the pre-eminent tournament in golf.
This profile is based on a contribution from leading golf writer Alistair Tait. The full article is published in a commemorative graduation programme. Programmes cost £5 and will be available for purchase from the ticket collection point and at Younger Hall. All proceeds go to University scholarship funds.
One of the most successful players in Open Championship history, Tom Watson has won the title five times. He remains the only person in the 150 year history of the tournament to win on five different courses. Remarkably, he came close to winning a record-equalling sixth Open title last year at the age of 59.
Tom Watson has a particular affinity with Scotland. In 1975 he made his Open Championship debut – and achieved his first victory - at Carnoustie. He talks fondly of the way his neighbours treated him during his stay, the beginning of his “love affair with the Scottish people” which continues to this day. Four of Tom Watson’s Open victories have been achieved in Scotland.
This profile is based on a contribution from leading golf writer John Huggan. The full article is published in a commemorative graduation programme. Programmes cost £5 and will be available for purchase from the ticket collection point and at Younger Hall. All proceeds go to University scholarship funds.
Johann Rupert is the head of the Swiss-based luxury group Richemont whose brands include Cartier, Chloe and Dunhill. The company is a long term sponsor of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Rupert’s honorary degree will recognise his long term support of the tournament.
This year sees the successful tournament - which is played annually over the Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie - celebrate its tenth playing. The popular pro-am format sees celebrities and businessmen pair up with professionals.
Rupert has spoken of his fondness for St Andrews and its similarities with Stellenbosch, where he grew up as a child. Much of the money raised at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship goes towards the Golf Development Board, which Johann Rupert founded. The Development Board gives underprivileged South African youngsters the chance to pursue golfing opportunities.
This profile is based on a contribution from leading golf writer Stuart McLean. The full article is published in a commemorative graduation programme. Programmes cost £5 and will be available for purchase from the ticket collection point and at Younger Hall. All proceeds go to University scholarship funds.
