Tributes paid to Alastair Forrow

PGA in Scotland members have been left shocked by the death of long-serving Whitecraigs professional Alastair Forrow at the age of 50 following a short illness.

He started his PGA career as an assistant professional under Jim McAlister at Haggs Castle from 1986-90 before having a spell at Ranfurly Castle.

Forrow had been the professional at Whitecraigs on the south side of Glasgow for 24 years and served on the PGA in Scotland committee from 2017.

"Everyone at the PGA in Scotland was saddened to hear of the passing of Alastair Forrow on 23 March 2018," said Regional Manager Shona Malcolm.

"Our thoughts are with Alastair’s wife Mags and his young children at this difficult time."

Haggs Castle professional Campbell Elliott described Forrow as the "consumate professional" who was "good fun to be around".

He added: "I got to know Alastair when I came to Haggs Castle through Jim McAlister, who was his mentor.

"We used to go on TGI trips together and he was a quiet unassuming type with a dry sense of humour.

"He was one of life's good guys and ran a good business. He kept young players on track with great values, which are sometimes forgotten these days."

One of Forrow's closest friends in golf was Gary Weir, who is now the director of instruction at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York.

He said: "'Big Al', as we always called him, was one of my closest friends back in the day when I lived in Glasgow. 

"Along with Neil Marr, the three of us had strong links not only to Haggs Castle but also to Jim McAlister, who was a special mentor to all of us. I can only imagine how Jim must be taking this loss. 

"There will be many amazing things said about 'Big Al' in tributes to him and all of them will be true. He was a consummate golf professional and will be a huge loss for Whitecraigs and their members. 

"It is a huge loss for his many students and friends, and to all of his fellow professionals at the PGA in Scotland who loved and respected him very dearly. 

"I will always remember 'Big Al' as one of the truest friends that anyone could ever have, both a fun social companion, and a tough, feisty golf opponent."

Mark Loftus, now the professional at Caldwell, got to know Forrow "very well" as he became a qualified PGA professional.

"He mentored me through the golf club technology part of my PGA training," recalled the 2007 Scottish PGA champion. 

"Nothing was ever a problem and his door was always open - a lesson I have tried to adopt with young pros today."

A minute's silence was held as a mark respect to Forrow during the PGA in Scotland Winter Fourball Series event at Troon Portland on Monday.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday 4 April at 10am in Cathcart Old Parish Church, Glasgow. There will be a private cremation at the Linn Crematorium at 11am and thereafter the family will greet members and friends at Whitecraigs Golf Club.