‘Tartan Tour legend’ Colin Gillies dies aged 58

Tributes have poured in for Colin Gillies, the Tartan Tour’s all-time leading money winner, who has died at the age of 58.

After turning professional in 1984, Gillies enjoyed immense success on the Scottish circuit, winning 125 times including the Scottish PGA Championship in 1995 and 1998.

Among the titles were victories over Paul Lawrie and Andrew Coltart, while the Falkirk man also made 30 appearances on the now DP World Tour.

Gillies, meanwhile, was a coaching professional at Kingsfield Golf & Leisure, in Linlithgow, who shared the news on Facebook.

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“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Colin Gillies’ passing,” read a post. “Colin was a valued coaching professional here at Kingsfield, inspiring so many with his knowledge, passion, and love for the game.

“His impact on Scottish golf and the lives of those he coached will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

A social media post from the PGA in Scotland read: “Everyone @pgascotland was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Gillies at the age of 58.

“A great player, friend and ambassador for the PGA, he will be sadly missed. Our condolences to all his friends and family at this very sad time.”

In the mid-1980s, Gillies was an assistant professional to winning Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher at Wentworth, in Surrey.

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Gallacher, who led tributes, told The Scotsman that he was “one of my best assistants.”

Gallacher added: “He was an excellent player, and all the members liked him. In fact, one member wanted to sponsor him on Tour, but he declined because he missed home too much and went back to Scotland.”

The 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie played against Gillies during his time in the paid ranks and said: “Colin was always the man to beat back in the day in PGA events.”

In 2011, Gillies became the first player on the Tartan Tour to earn £500,000 on the circuit before announcing his retirement. It was his 27th season.