Colin Farquharson sadly passed away on 9th May, 2024 aged 86, and having been a member of the Association of Golf Writers for 50-years.
The Association proudly recognized Colin’s enormous contribution in reporting on golf in bestowing him with Life Membership 2018.
The celebration of his life with held on May 20th, 2024 at the Baldarroch Chapel and Crematorium in Banchory, Scotland.
DAVE EDWARDS ….
I arrived at the Press and Journal in 1998, the year after Colin Farquharson retired as sports editor, but I already knew of his infectious enthusiasm, not only for golf, but for Aberdeen Football Club, the legendary Dons!
Colin was a perfectionist at everything he did, and I had the pleasure of contributing bits and pieces for him over the years, both golf and football related, and I always found the great man extremely supportive in our dealings together.
Colin’s wife Ethel was equally keen on the game of golf, and I well-remember a tournament they both organised many years ago in the shadow of the Erskine Bridge near Glasgow, a tournament won on the day by another of our dearly departed friends, and AGW member, Dougie Lowe.
And of course their daughter, Elaine, has her own place in the history of the game as a two-time Curtis Cup captain.
Although Colin finally hung up his pen in 2020, the memory of his immense contribution to the great game of golf in Scotland will live long for those of us who had the pleasure of calling him colleague and friend!
RIP Colin.
FERGUS BISSETT ….
Colin’s coverage of Scottish golf was incredible. If it happened on Scottish soil or involved a Scottish player, he would never miss it. His Scottish Golf View webpage was by far the most comprehensive overview of the Scottish golfing scene for many years and it was the go-to for anyone looking to see the scores in tournaments from Brora to Bathgate.
I played in the North East alliance when I first moved back to Scotland and Colin was there at almost every fixture – Checking scores with Ron Menzies, who was then secretary, grabbing the winner for a short interview and probably taking a picture or two. He was so generous with his time, so genuinely interested and so incredibly kind – Never anything other than congratulations for those who did well and words of encouragement for those who might do better next time. He was a proper golf reporter and a very nice man indeed.
Colin honoured with AGW Life Membership in 2018 – Colin’s daughter, Elaine and wife Ethel with AGW Chairman Iain Carter
LEWINE MAIR (Chairperson, AGW) ….
Colin Farquharson was an amazingly hard-working golf writer, and it wasn’t just because his daughter, Elaine, was a great player and a Curtis Cup captain that he concentrated on the women’s game for as long as he did. Plenty of those who have learned of his death will have been thinking that the women’s club and county scene would scarcely have got a mention in the early 2000s if it hadn’t been for him.
I have this vivid memory of Colin covering the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Stroke-Play championship at Troon Ladies’ on an annual basis. He operated from a standing position in the hallway with his computer precariously placed on a high windowsill. I know for myself that that things improved for the writers over the years but my memory of Colin is not about to change.
He was always good company and, though I once got a nip from the family’s slightly nervous poodle, it was my fault for thinking he/she was just another friendly Farquharson.
ED HODGE ….
Colin was a stalwart of Scottish golf writing. He was a passionate supporter across all levels off the game, especially covering players and tournaments in his native north-east. I first came across him in my former PR and Comms role at Scottish Golf from around 2011 and he was always eager to attend events and offer his support. It always struck me that he was a man who enjoyed writing and was also quite handy as a photographer. A man of many talents! A friendly face who will be missed by many.
JEREMY CHAPMAN ….
Our paths rarely crossed but I remember Colin with nothing but fondness. He was a charming man from the old school with a great love of golf and country. Spent a bit of time getting to know him better on the Press trips he ran to Agadir and Parque de Floresta and he was wonderfully solicitous and helpful. He and his dear wife Ethel really seemed to care that we had a good time and took home with us lifetime memories.
He joined the AGW in 1974, exactly a half century ago and the year before I did, and we grew old together. I wish I had known him better and seen him more often.
Colin proudly celebrating his 80th birthday
MARTIN VOUSDEN ,,,,
When I first came to live and work in Scotland, I was lucky that among the first people I met professionally were Ethel and Colin Farquharson. From the outset both showed great patience and kindness in helping me navigate my way through these uncharted and sometimes turbulent waters. I recall Colin, in particular, always smiling, always encouraging and ever ready to lend a hand, file copy and keep me advised of the characters and nuances of both the amateur and professional game in Scotland. His warmth, willingness to help and unrivaled knowledge did a great deal to help me establish myself north of the border and are something for which I remain truly grateful. The world of golf can ill-afford to lose people of the integrity and charm of Colin and I know he will be greatly missed.
GORDON SIMPSON ….
Everyone needs a break, no matter how small, as they attempt to climb the slippery pole in their chosen career. My good fortune was to know and to admire Colin Farquharson.
I owe Colin a huge debt of gratitude. Without his unwavering support, I would not have been launched into a career in golf, which in turn took me to the Press Association, the Daily Record as Golf Correspondent, the European Tour (as was) as Director of Communications and, finally, as a freelance Golf Consultant.
That’s almost half a century within the industry in some capacity, and all thanks to Colin Farquharson.
In the early 1970s, I was a junior sports reporter for the Press and Journal in Aberdeen, concentrating mainly on junior football. However, in the summer months when Colin was ‘on assignment’ covering the leading pro and amateur tournaments, he suggested that I look after the local amateur events, a staple of the P&J’s sports coverage.
I didn’t need a second invitation. In my mind, the Aberdeen Trades Foursomes, Aberdeen Links Championship and Northern Counties Cup were as important to the paper as the Open or the Ryder Cup.
I would like to think that Colin recognised by enthusiasm and work ethic, for when he replaced Alastair Macdonald as Sports Editor, I was stunned to be offered the role of golf writer on the paper.
I was just 21 and ‘a baby’ in journalistic terms. So much so that I was turned away from the bar at the Scottish Boys Championship at Dunbar after being told: “coke and crisps round the corner sonny.”
That decision really kick-started my love of golf writing and my first Open happened to be at Turnberry in 1977. How could I know, walking those final 18 holes with Watson and Nicklaus, that I would never experience a finer day on the links?
Colin offered advice and support and tried to make me a better reporter. He placed his trust in me, despite my youth, and I hope I didn’t let him down.
Two years later, Colin fought the P&J hierarchy to send me to Ireland to cover the Aer Lingus Schools Golf Finals, which involved two Aberdeen schools. It was there that I met one Graham Otway of the Press Association.
‘Otters’ remarked in conversation that the PA were about to advertise for their first full-time sports reporter based in Glasgow. I went to London for an interview, got the job and enjoyed the best learning experience of my life.
As I mentioned at the start – we all need that break when we’re young and ambitious. Colin fueled that ambition by setting me out on a path which, though not making me rich, has certainly enriched me.
Thank you, Colin. RIP.
Gordon Simpson
MIKE AITKEN ….
As well as being an industrious and well liked sportswriter, Colin was also an outstanding promoter of new golf resorts around Europe and the founder of the European Golf Writers. I was lucky enough to attend a few of his superbly run facility trips and even won one in 1999. Managed to dig out the plate, which, remarkably after 25 years, is still in one piece. Colin and Ethel were wonderful hosts and our wives/partners were always welcome. Colin was a grand colleague who will be much missed.
NICK RODGER ,,,,
Tribute to Colin from Nick Rodger appearing in the Scottish Herald:
MARTIN DEMPSTER …
Tribute to Colin from Martin Dempster appearing in the Scotsman:
THE PRESS & JOURNAL ….
ELSPETH BURNSIDE ,,,,
I have such fond memories of Colin as he was one of the most significant people in my journalistic career. I was a PE teacher in Wick in the 1980s trying for a new pathway and Colin was sports editor of this Press and Journal. He was so kind, supportive and encouraging .
I wrote a couple of features for the paper then started covering some day to day events . One of the first was the Northern Counties Women’s Championship at Nairn. I stayed at a B and B and it was an expenses paid. I couldn’t believe it.
Over the years, Colin became a great friend and he was always such good company. I sat beside him at many a British Women’s Open
It was also lovely to follow Elaine’s golfing career. He was so – justifiably- proud. He did so much for the women’s game
Colin was a great character who will be very fondly remembered.
The Celebration of Colin’s life took place on May 20th. You can look at the video by clicking on: https://vimeo.com/event/4301602/ba3d20e06a
