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Some of the biggest names in golf have joined in the tributes being paid to the iconic Scottish actor, Sir Sean Connery, who has passed away at the age of 90.
Connery, best known for playing James Bond in six official 007 capers on the big screen, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas having been unwell for some time.
In a career that spanned five decades, the Edinburgh-born Hollywood superstar’s body of work also included the likes of The Rock, The Hunt For Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade and The Untouchables. The latter earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988.
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Away from the silver screen, Connery was a golf fanatic, who took up the game for a famous scene in Goldfinger in which Bond takes on the titular villain at Stoke Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire. He would go on to become a regular in celebrity events and pro-ams.
In his 2008 book ‘Being A Scot’, Connery detailed how he fell for the royal and ancient game.
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He wrote: “I never had a hankering to play golf, despite growing up in Scotland just down the road from Bruntsfield Links, which is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. It wasn’t until I was taught enough golf to look as though I could outwit the accomplished golfer Gert Frobe in Goldfinger that I got the bug.
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“I began to take lessons on a course near the Pinewood film studios, and was immediately hooked on the game. Soon it would nearly take over my life. I began to see golf as a metaphor for living, for in golf you are basically on your own, competing against yourself and always trying to do better. If you cheat, you will be the loser, because you are cheating yourself.”
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He added: “Over the years golf has taught me much, and its implicit codes of conduct have provided me with the nearest I have ever come to religion.”
Since news of Connery’s passing broke, tributes have started to pour in from across the golf community.
One of the greatest legends! Sad news, this man give us such great entertainment, an incredible stunning presence and character. I'm delighted I had a few cool moments and memories with him! RIP Sir Sean https://t.co/6KmCchr0uW
— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) October 31, 2020
GOODBYE MY OLD FRIEND-FOND MEMORIES OF DAYS GONE BY-RIP pic.twitter.com/Ga8myyciVw
— Tony Jacklin CBE (@jacklin_tony) October 31, 2020
— Thomas Bjørn (@thomasbjorngolf) October 31, 2020
We’re deeply saddened to learn that cinema legend, Scottish icon, and long-time friend of the Glen, Sir Sean Connery, has passed away. Coached by our former Head Golf Pro, the late Ian Marchbank, he is a key part of our history and will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/V81fTV4cUD
— Gleneagles (@Gleneagleshotel) October 31, 2020
Good bye Sir Sean. Rest In Peace #legend.
— Andrew Coltart (@AndrewColtart) October 31, 2020
More tributes will be posted here as and when they are published.
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