Sam Torrance: Celebrated Ayrshire, Largs golfer turns 70

Golfing great Sam Torrance, who hit the winning putt in the 1985 Ryder Cup, and repeated the feat as captain of the Europeans in 2002, has hit the major milestone.

Born in Largs, Sam has 21 Tour wins to his name and was a member of Europe's Ryder Cup team on eight occasions, winning four times.

Torrance, who was made an MBE in 1996 and OBE in 2003, regularly returns home to Largs, and still has family and friends in the town.

Sam was recently honoured by the University of St Andrews in respect of his incredible golfing achievements, which he described as a great honour for him and his family.

Sam first picked up a golf club at Routenburn Golf Club, under the tutelage of his father Bob, who went on to become a coaching colossus of the sport.

He went on to embark on a long and successful golfing career lasting decades, putting the famous 18th hole to secure a historic Ryder Cup triumph over the US in 1985, before going to captain the 2002 winning side in his return to The Belfry, which he describes as the pinnacle.

Sam, who retired from the senior golfing circuit in 2021, was honoured with an MBE (1996) and OBE (2003), for his outstanding contributions to golf.

The Largs man was one of the leading players on the European Tour from the mid 1970s to the late 1990s, with 21 tournament wins. He was also a member of European Ryder Cup teams on eight occasions and on the winning team four times, and became a popular TV commentator.

David Ennis, one of the directors of the Gillian's Saltire Appeal, which provides respite accommodation in Largs for people recovering from cancer, would like to see some kind of permanent dedication to Sam - having suggested a statue in his honour in the past.

David said: "A statue to Sam would certainly be something I would like to see - I think it would be very fitting.

"As well as a fantasic and successful golf career, Sam has been an ambassador for the Gillian's Saltire Appeal, right from the very start, and even helped in the Saltire Appeal being the chosen charity along with Maggie's Centres for being the official charity of the 2017 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

"He has done a lot for the charity and has been there since the very start when we opened our first property in the town in Waterside Street.

"I would love to see some kind of permanent dedication to Sam in the town for his sporting achievements and legacy. It is important that all our local heroes are recognised and remembered including Sam, Sir Thomas Brisbane, Lord Kelvin, and Lou Macari - they have all helped put Largs on the map, and I hope Sam has a wonderful 70th birthday."

Sam is a regular visitor to The Fishworks when he pops back to Largs (Image: Fishworks)

And one of Sam's favourite places to visit when he returns to Largs is the award winning Fish Works restaurant on Largs seafront.

Co-owner Tiffany Irvin said: "Happy birthday to Sam from all The Fishworks team - hopefully we will see him again soon and we hope he has a great day.

"Next time he is here he can pop in and have a free fish supper for his birthday, which I know is one of his favourites.

"He always likes to pop in and say hello - and it is always great to see him."

Routenburn Golf Pro Greig McQueen said: "Happy birthday - and congratulations on Sam's 70th birthday as a winning Ryder Cup player and captain.

"It was such an amazing moment when he hit the winning putt, and he is a great name to have associated with Routenburn Golf Club - he has been a true ambassador for the Routenburn and Largs Golf Clubs and he has never forgotten his roots.

"Sam was up here around a year ago with a few of his friends from Largs - and it was great to see him and we hope to see him back soon."