Paul Ferrier given honorary membership by Baberton

By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Published on 06/02/2013 01:27

BABERTON Golf Club has handed out a rare honorary membership to Paul Ferrier as a reward for his successful amateur career.

It was highlighted by victory in the 2007 Scottish Boys’ Championship at Dunbar before Ferrier signed off from the unpaid ranks with a flourish last year.

He reached the semi-finals of the Amateur Championship at Royal Troon then, in his last amateur appearance, helped Scotland win the Home Internationals for the first time in six years at Glasgow Gailes.

“The board decided that it would be fitting for honorary membership to be bestowed upon Paul for what he achieved in his amateur career,” said Baberton club manager Keith Nicholson.

In Ferrier’s absence – he has returned to North Carolina, where he went to college, to launch his professional career – the honour was received at the Juniper Green club’s annual general meeting by his father, Iain.

He read out a letter of thanks from his son, who admits he feels humbled to join just three others – Joan Lawrence, Fiona de Vries and Alan Jolly – in receiving the honour.

“I am very honoured to receive this and it has been quite overwhelming for me to think about,” he said. “I have always had such a strong and friendly support from everyone at Baberton and I am so proud to represent them every time I tee it up.

“Baberton has had a lot going on with its new clubhouse [due to open soon] and course changes and for the council and members to think of me and my tournament results is very special and shows the unbelievable class and character that the members of Baberton have.

“I am so grateful to [club captain] Scott Girvan and the council for putting me forward for this honour. Scott, along with many others, has always been so encouraging to me and it means so much to receive this honour as it has come from people who have been such a huge influence in my life.”