R.I.P. Renton Laidlaw

One of the game’s great voices and gentlemen has left us, with the R&A first to share the sad news of Renton Laidlaw’s passing. The voice off the European Tour until 2014, Laidlaw began his career as a writer for the Edinburgh Evening News before moving into radio and television. For American viewers he became synonymous as soundtrack to weekend mornings of European Tour events.

Brendan James has more in this remembrance for Golf Australia. I’ll post more as they appear.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Renton Laidlaw’s passing.

With his distinctive Scottish voice, Laidlaw was one of golf’s most respected broadcasters and journalists, and provided great service and dedication to the sport.

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/f2G4qBMG0c

— The R&A (@RandA) October 12, 2021

He can be heard most recently in this podcast with John Huggan posted in August.

This YouTube search link will let you listen to Hidden Links Golf’s series of Scotland golf videos voiced by Laidlaw.

Alistair Tait celebrates the magical life of Laidlaw.

The Scotsman’s Martin Dempster with his tribute.

A nice tribute video here followed by some of the initial Tweets:

I met Renton Laidlaw when I was 7. He was 22 and came to my parents house every Friday for tea ahead of his column for the Edinburgh Evening News. He was my mentor at the start of my TV career. A gifted broadcaster, an exceptional man in every way. Many hearts are sore tonight.❤️

— Ewen Murray (@ewenmurray77) October 12, 2021

Oh no thats very sad news. Renton documented my whole career from the 75 English Amateur on! He was the most trusted and fair, in the heat of finishing a bad round if i said something daft he'd say maybe you'd like to say that a different way! A very rare quality! RIP https://t.co/NElrWLzgyu

— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) October 13, 2021

Very sad to hear of the passing of Renton Laidlaw a lovely man RIP Renton.

— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) October 12, 2021

Incredibly sad to hear the passing of Renton, wonderful man and great to our game. RIP 🙏🏼 https://t.co/mUWLuOfjUr

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) October 13, 2021

Before @GolfChannel launched in the 90s golf in America was mostly an afternoon viewing experience. @EuropeanTour changed that, all those comfortable mornings with Renton Laidlaw as our tour guide. Wasn’t it just the most pleasant trip? @GolfChannel forever grateful for Renton. https://t.co/PkAZi3GG89

— Rich Lerner (@RichLernerGC) October 13, 2021

RENTON LAIDLAW ...

Heart-breaking news to learn of Renton's passing.

Renton, aged 82, joined the Association in 1963. He proudly served as Secretary (1978/1995), Chairman (1995/1998) & President (2005/2015)

RIP Renton pic.twitter.com/EQLpJrDx5g

— Association of Golf Writers (AGW) (@AGWgolfwriters) October 13, 2021

Renton Laidlaw has died, and anybody who knew him, read him, or listened to him must feel sad. He was generous and encouraging to me, and many years ago invited me for a game at Sunningdale Old. What a day. We then chatted for hours in his nearby flat. Renton defined kindness.

— Lorne Rubenstein (@lornerubenstein) October 13, 2021

I will say this tonight at dinner and hear the wondrous voice of Renton Laidlaw: Some hae meat and cannae eat. Some nae meat but want it. We hae meat and we can eat and sae the Lord be thankit.

— Doug Ferguson (@dougferguson405) October 14, 2021