Shropshire golfing legend Sandy Lyle is honoured

The 55-year-old recalled his famous Masters triumph a quarter of a century ago as he received his honour from Scotland football boss Gordon Strachan at the 2013 Scottish Golf Awards at the Hilton Glasgow.

Lyle, who was born in Shrewsbury and played much of his junior goal at Hawkstone Park Golf, enjoyed a sparkling career, which has yielded 29 worldwide titles, including two Majors.

As well as his 1985 Open triumph, he claimed the US Masters three years later when he became the first British winner at Augusta.

He was one of the world's leading golfers in the 1980s when he was regarded as one of Europe's 'Big Five'.

After being recently inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, he has now joined Scottish Golf's equivalent with the likes of Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie.

Lyle was at the Glasgow awards evening organised jointly by the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association.

"It really doesn't seem like 25 years ago that I won at Augusta, but it's obviously a memory that will live with me forever.

"I've been lucky to have enjoyed a great career and it was nice to reflect on it here in Glasgow.

"It's an honour for me to receive a lifetime achievement award in front of Scotland's golf fans in Glasgow."

During the evening Lyle was reacquainted with the Claret Jug and the Ryder Cup – among six of his trophies on show.

Lyle was a member of five European Ryder Cup teams during his peak when he became the first Briton to wear the green jacket.

He topped the European tour of merit in 1979, 1980 and 1985 and was a member of the PGA tour for several years, finishing seventh on the money list in 1988.

Since turning 50 he has concentrated on the Seniors' Tour. Lyle launched his golfing career back in Shropshire where his father, Alex, was the professional at Hawkstone.

The family home was yards from the 18th green and the infant Lyle began playing with miniature clubs aged just three.