Some of the inaugural members of the Society have invited me to be your next President, and after a discussion about the continuance of the Thomson name I decided to accept. I know you were all so fond of Peter, so I am both honoured and happy to keep the Thomson name there, for I know Peter’s heart was very much with the James Braid Society.
During the many years that I have played golf, it never ceased to amaze me of the number of times that I walked off a golf course that I really enjoyed, only to find that it had been designed by James Braid. In 2008, I wrote to the then members’ secretary of the JBGS (Mr Ken Horne) to share this fact and in due course I received an invitation to join the Society.
I am not only lucky enough to live in Brora, but also to have the enviable, and sometimes unenviable job of being the General Manager at Brora Golf Club. Despite this larger than life day job, I find the time to deal with the role of Treasurer for the JBGS which enables us to continue to claim that ‘Brora is the spiritual home of the JBGS’.
I volunteered to undertake the role of Admin Secretary to the JBGS without really realising what I was letting myself in for. However, the rewards are terrific, great people to play golf with, wonderful courses to play on and learning all about how a website works. It’s great, if sometimes a little challenging.
I joined JBGS several years ago and regularly try to join in all the tours; recently Shropshire, Suffolk and , my home club Brora, but not to forget a wee trip abroad last year - to Pinehurst. I support Alison on the admin side by looking after members' subscriptions and the fixtures.
I have been a member of the James Braid Golfing Society now for several years. Introduced by one of the founders, Malcolm Campbell, I have enjoyed immensely my association with the Society. The opportunity to play many of the great man's courses is an absolute joy and privilege. Favourite for me is probably Hankley Common followed closely by Brora, and Fortrose and Rosemarkie GCs. As I am based in Scotland, I am ideally placed to represent the members north of the border. Anyone wishing to contact me, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Some years ago I was introduced to the James Braid Golfing Society by my friend Len Bunton. And so began an experience that each year brings great joy and community playing with fellow golf enthusiasts and friends from around the world, on mainly James Braid courses. The man was a genius. I remember him fondly at my own course, Wildernesse GC in Kent each time I play the 5th hole - a difficult par 3. My favourite Braid courses are the Kings and Queens at Gleneagles and Brora GC in the Highlands of Scotland, where we hold our annual get together . I am based in the south of England and would be delighted to hear from you.
