McDonald honoured as Barassie recognises Walker Cup heroes

Kilmarnock-based club celebrates its three Walker Cup winners in style

By Craig Dennett

Scottish internationalist Jack McDonald has described Kilmarnock Barassie’s record of producing Walker Cup winners as ‘an unbelievable achievement’ after he was awarded honorary life membership of the club.

McDonald’s success with the Great Britain and Ireland side at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s last September meant he was the third player from the Ayrshire club to have been part of a winning Walker Cup side, a remarkable number given that GB&I has only won the event nine times in its history.

PRICELESS

Fellow Kilmarnock Barassie members Gordon Sherry and Jim Milligan have also lifted the famous trophy in the past and the club has decided to commemorate the achievement by opening its new Walker Cup Lounge, which will have priceless memorabilia from the event featured on its walls.

That memorabilia will include a signed flag from McDonald’s winning performance and the wedge used by Milligan in 1989 to seal GB&I’s first victory on American soil.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement,” said McDonald.
“It comes from the club. The set-up here is great. We have 27 holes, the practice facilities are brilliant and it’s very friendly. They tend to help juniors a lot, too, which is good. It’s a great club to be a part of.”

REMARKABLE

Milligan echoed McDonald’s thoughts and explained that Kilmarnock Barassie has always had good players. He said:  “From juniors to seniors and onto internationalists, there have been a lot of good golfers at the club. It’s hard to say why but we have good facilities and a tough course.”

Club captain Ian Johnstone revealed he felt it was important for the club to mark the achievement with some kind of special tribute  “To have three members playing key roles in successful Walker Cup-winning teams is remarkable,” he explained. “It says a lot about the club.”

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