Golf World Pays Tribute to Renton Laidlaw

The Scottish writer and broadcaster died this week at 82 and is remembered as one of the gentlemen of golf.

The golf world is mourning the loss of Renton Laidlaw who died this week at age 82. Icon is an overused word but the Scottish-born journalist truly was a golf icon. He began in print before moving to broadcast, the BBC and eventually covered 165 majors, including 58 Open Championships and 42 Masters.

He became known and loved by American audiences as the distinctive, witty voice of the European Tour on Golf Channel. 

Here's a sampling of some of the tributes to the Laidlaw:

From golf writer John Huggan, a friend to the end:

Here’s what made Renton Laidlaw a great golf broadcaster—and an even better friend https://t.co/ZWDnaPFQLC

— John Huggan (@johnhuggan) October 13, 2021

NBC's Jimmy Roberts:

So sad to hear about the passing of Renton Laidlaw. One of golf’s great voices, but more than that, a very sweet man. Thoughts are with his family. @GolfChannel

— Jimmy Roberts (@JimmyRobertsNBC) October 13, 2021

From legendary golf photographer David Cannon:

So sad today to hear of the news that Renton Laidlaw is no longer with us. What a huge gap in our lives covering golf he will leave. Had so many wonderful memories. But Phil Sheldon’s pic of Renton under the desk commentating @PGAChampionship made me smile @GettySport pic.twitter.com/DoxIOwSVo5

— David Cannon (@Cannonball63) October 13, 2021

Golf Channel's Rich Lerner:

Before @GolfChannel launched in the 90s golf in America was mostly an afternoon viewing experience. @EuropeanTour changed that, all those comfortable mornings with Renton Laidlaw as our tour guide. Wasn’t it just the most pleasant trip? @GolfChannel forever grateful for Renton. https://t.co/PkAZi3GG89

— Rich Lerner (@RichLernerGC) October 13, 2021

The R&A:

We are deeply saddened to hear of Renton Laidlaw’s passing.

With his distinctive Scottish voice, Laidlaw was one of golf’s most respected broadcasters and journalists, and provided great service and dedication to the sport.

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/f2G4qBMG0c

— The R&A (@RandA) October 12, 2021

Scottish golf writer Martin Dempster:

ICYMI:

"He was gifted as a writer and a broadcaster, but, more than anything, I will remember him as the finest human being I have ever met"

My personal tribute to Renton Laidlaw@ScotsmanSport@TheScotsman@edinburghsport@AGWgolfwritershttps://t.co/n0fP8dgH1t

— Martin Dempster (@DempsterMartin) October 13, 2021

Ewen Murray, Tour pro turned broadcaster:

I met Renton Laidlaw when I was 7. He was 22 and came to my parents house every Friday for tea ahead of his column for the Edinburgh Evening News. He was my mentor at the start of my TV career. A gifted broadcaster, an exceptional man in every way. Many hearts are sore tonight.❤️

— Ewen Murray (@ewenmurray77) October 12, 2021

British TV host Kirsty Gallacher:

A very sad day today for my family and the global golf family with the sudden passing of our dear Renton Laidlaw. I am actually at a loss with this news. One of the greatest golf journalists & commentators of our time. Thank you Renton, we’ll miss you so much. Love you ❤️

— KIRSTY GALLACHER (@TheRealKirstyG) October 13, 2021

Sir Nick Faldo:

Oh no thats very sad news. Renton documented my whole career from the 75 English Amateur on! He was the most trusted and fair, in the heat of finishing a bad round if i said something daft he'd say maybe you'd like to say that a different way! A very rare quality! RIP https://t.co/NElrWLzgyu

— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) October 13, 2021

The European Tour:

The European Tour is saddened to hear of the death of renowned broadcaster and journalist Renton Laidlaw.

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 13, 2021

From Paul Lawrie, the 1999 Open Championship winner:

Very sad to hear of the passing of Renton Laidlaw a lovely man RIP Renton.

— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) October 12, 2021