Golf: Tributes for Lindsay Stewart

A former managing director of Ethicon in Edinburgh, the Heriot’s man also loved rugby but was best known in Scottish golf circles. He joined the Merchants of Edinburgh in 1954 and was elected to the club council within two years, serving as captain from 1967-70.

Stewart was the first Merchants member to be president of the Lothians, holding that position in 1978-80, and, similarly, was its first SGU president from 1991-92. Prior to that, he had been the SGU’s chairman of selectors and non-playing captain of Scottish Youths, enjoying a seven-year undefeated spell in that post.

He also served on committees for the R&A and the European Golf Association.

“Lindsay will be very sadly missed,” said his great friend and Kingsknowe stalwart Graham Ewart, another former SGU president. “He was an incredible character and a great motivator. No matter what post he took on, he threw himself 100 per cent plus into that job.”

Stewart, who was made a life member of the Merchants in 1991, also held memberships at Royal Burgess and Longniddry at one time. He rarely missed a Lothians Championship and was at Longniddry last weekend for the South East District Championship.

“Lindsay made an oustanding contribition to the community in general and golf in particular,” said Lothians president Denys Flaherty. “We will all miss his wisdom and experience.”

One of Stewart’s proudest golfing moments was seeing Simon Mackenzie win the Scottish Amateur Championship in 1995, having caddied for the West Linton star as he came through the ranks.

“Lindsay was a great man for the Lothians and was Scotland Youths captain in 1989 when I received my first cap at Royal Aberdeen,” said Mackenzie. “He picked me as a young golfer and was influential in my progression in my career.”

Stewart was an honorary president of Heriot’s Golf Club and an honorary vice-president of Heriot’s Rugby Club.