Sun shines as golfer Sam receives degree from top UK university

The Home of Golf offered a warm welcome to legendary Scottish golfer Sam Torrance today (Wednesday 14 June).

The sports personality, best known for his Ryder Cup success, was recognised for making a “major contribution to golf, his leadership in the Ryder Cup, and for a significant contribution to charitable causes” with an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) by the University of St Andrews.

Sam is an international golfing legend renowned worldwide for his talent and winning ways. He has represented Europe eight times in the Ryder Cup, famously sinking the winning putt at the 18th green at The Belfry in 1985 and denying the Americans the trophy for the first time in 28 years.

Sam was also part of the victorious squads in 1987, 1989 and 1995, and captained his side to glory back at The Belfry in 2002. In doing so, he became only the second European player to sink the winning putt and captain a successful side.

As an individual, Sam has 44 professional wins under his belt, including three at the European Senior Tour Order of Merit. He has also played at more European Tour events than any other golfer in the Tour’s History.

Although Sam still plays the occasional seniors event, he enjoys his broadcasting work and hosting corporate golf days. He also finds pleasure in golf course design and was involved in the design of The Torrance golf course at the Fairmont, St Andrews. Overlooking St Andrews Bay, the cliff-top course was a Final Qualifying Venue for the 150th Open and was host to the DP World Tour and Hero Open for a second year in 2022.

Responding to a speech given in his honour at the University’s Younger Hall, Sam said: “What a platform you’ve found yourself on here – I don’t think there’s a better university in the world to start your life from.”

He added: “If you can be as lucky as me and find something you love and call it a job, you’ll never work again.”

You can read Sam’s full nomination for the honorary degree, given by University Director of Development, Robert Fleming, on the graduation 2023 web pages.

Following the ceremony, Sam took part in the traditional academic procession of new graduates from the Younger Hall to St Salvator’s Quad in brilliant St Andrews sunshine.