The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has officially appointed David Scott as its new Honorary Professional. He becomes only the sixth person to hold this prestigious position, following the passing of former Honorary Professional Jim Farmer late last year.
David Scott, a PGA Master Professional and a respected figure in Scottish golf, was recently elected Captain of the PGA. He is also a former Captain of PGA Scotland and has held several senior leadership roles in the golf industry across the UK.
Speaking about his appointment, David Scott said:
“I’m deeply honoured to have been appointed Honorary Professional by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Having grown up playing golf in the town, I know just how important a role the Club plays in the sport. It’s a privilege to be involved and support the Members.”
Mark Darbon, Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, welcomed the appointment:
“We are delighted that David will become the Club’s Honorary Professional. He is a hugely popular figure in Scottish golf and brings a wealth of experience to the role. I’m sure the Members are looking forward to working with him.”
Born and raised in St Andrews, David Scott has deep roots in the local golf community. His father was club champion at the St Andrews Golf Club, and David’s involvement in the sport began early. He qualified as a PGA Professional in 1985 and was named Scottish Assistant of the Year.
David’s career includes roles as an assistant and club professional, Director of Golf at Kingsbarns Golf Links, and Director of Operations at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa. Since 2020, he has served as General Manager at Dumbarnie Links, one of Scotland’s top golf destinations.
He has also worked as a Rules Official on the European Tour (now DP World Tour), and with both the PGA and The R&A. In 2022, David was named President of the Caddie School for Soldiers, a program supporting veterans through golf.
David Scott lives in St Andrews with his wife Yvonne. He has two adult children, Jenna and David Junior, and two grandchildren, Jessica and Freya.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews holds a unique position in golf. Established in 1754, it evolved through two and a half centuries as a leading authority in the world game.
As the Club celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2004 it devolved responsibility for the administration of the Rules of Golf, the running of The Open and other key events, and the development of the game in existing and emerging golfing nations, to a newly formed group of companies collectively known as The R&A.
As a separate entity The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews remains as a private golf club with a worldwide membership of over 2,400 Members.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ Honorary Professionals
| Andrew Kirkaldy | 1910 – 1934 |
| Willie Auchterlonie | 1935 – 1963 |
| Laurie Auchterlonie | 1964 – 1987 |
| John Panton | 1988 – 2006 |
| Jim Farmer | 2006 – 2024 |
| David Scott | 2025 – |
