David Scott Honorary Professional of the R&A

Wed, Feb 4th 2026 at 12:40 am - 2:00 am

David is also the founding General Manager of Dumbarnie Links Golf Course

David Scott Honorary Professional of the R&A -

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Member of the Club, David Scott, gave a fascinating talk about his rise from child golfer to professional and on to top flight golf manager. A St Andrews boy, educated at Madras and Dundee College, David went on to be Assistant Professional at Blairgowrie in 1982, and was awarded Scottish Assistant of the Year in 1985. He became Head Professional at Letham Grange in 1987 and then at Balbirnie Park Golf Club from 1996-99, before gaining an SQA in Business from Glenrothes College. So began his career in golf management, first setting up Kingsbarns Golf Club before moving to the Dukes as director of golf, then on to the Old Course executive team. David is currently General Manager of Dumbarnie Links, 345 acres beside the sea in Fife, open from April to October on a ‘Pay and Play’ basis. The course hosted the Women’s Scottish Open in 2021 and the American Walker Cup team in 2023. David, who believes in the strength of teamwork oversees the many aspects of the course, his staff (well-being, morale, nights out), marketing (the course has its own whisky and tartan), social media, photography (they have a drone to help!); as a result Dumbarnie has won many awards. One special aspect of the course is the Caddie School for former soldiers, where veterans suffering from PTSD can find renewed self-respect in a fulfilling job. David, too, has won many awards: he was appointed Honarary Professional at the R and A in May 2025 and is currently Captain of the PGA. His mantra is ‘If you stop getting better you stop being good’. Eric Brown gave the vote of thanks.