Legendary Journalist Renton Laidlaw Dies - Golfing World Pays Tribute

The popular Scot, who was one of golf media's greatest figures, has sadly passed away

Renton Laidlaw
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The popular Scot, who was one of golf media's greatest figures, has sadly passed away

Legendary Journalist Renton Laidlaw Dies - Golfing World Pays Tribute

Broadcaster and writer Renton Laidlaw has died at the age of 82, having tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend before being admitted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

The Scot was one of golf's most recognisable voices and figures within the media, having been BBC Radio's golf correspondent for 15 years.

Laidlaw also had spells covering the game for the Edinburgh Evening News and the London Evening Standard.

He also worked for the Golf Channel, giving Americans insights into the European Tour and its players, and worked in Australia as well.

In total, his career in journalism spanned 60+ years where he worked across print, radio and television.

He was the first non-American to cover the Masters at Augusta National, and throughout his career he covered an incredible 165 majors, including 58 Opens and 42 Masters.

He also served as secretary, chairman and president throughout his time as an Association of Golf Writers member, which he joined in 1963.

Laidlaw received many awards and recognitions throughout his esteemed career, including the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Award for golfing journalism.

Golfing World Pays Tribute to Renton Laidlaw:

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Watch Laidlaw react to receiving the Special Recognition Award from the PGAs of Europe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XwLINFwHEQ

Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!


Elliott is currently playing:


Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: Titleist TSi2

Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1

Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV