3 LESSONS FOR A GOOD LIFE - Sam Torrance W/ Iona

I first met Sam Torrance at the Ducks inn, in East Lothian Scotland while covering the Scottish open for Sky. I went over to say hello and called him ‘Mr Torrance’. He looked at me and said ‘Iona please, it’s Sam, Mr Torrance is my dad’. We’ve been friends ever since.

Sam has been a stalwart of the game, not just for his prowess on the course, but for the kind of character that has endeared him to fans, peers, and commentators alike. He’s one of those rare figures who seem to embody the very essence of golf itself, blending wit, wisdom, and no small amount of grit.

Born in Largs, Scotland, Torrance was, from a young age, destined for the fairways. You see, he grew up steeped in the game, with his father Bob Torrance—himself a revered coach—instilling in him a deep love for golf's traditions. It was clear Sam had inherited not only the familial passion but also a prodigious talent, as he turned professional at just 16 years old. And what a career followed.

Though Sam never won a major championship, that hardly seems to matter in the grand tapestry of his career. No, Torrance’s legacy isn’t defined by silverware alone. He won 21 European Tour events, but it is his contribution to team golf, particularly the Ryder Cup, where his mark is truly indelible. As a player, he represented Europe in eight Ryder Cups, famously holing the winning putt in 1985 to secure Europe's first victory in 28 years. That moment, arms raised to the sky, has become etched into the folklore of the competition.

Yet, it is his role as captain of the 2002 European Ryder Cup team that has cemented his status as a golfing icon. Under his gentle but firm leadership, Europe triumphed over the Americans in a contest that was filled with drama, tension, and, ultimately, triumph. Torrance’s ability to inspire loyalty and camaraderie, while keeping the pressure at bay, made him a beloved leader.

Off the course, Sam has become equally cherished for his insightful, often humorous commentary. I’ve had the honour of working along side Sam at the DPWT and like many of my colleagues, I never take time with Sam for granted.

Sam Torrance possesses that rare ability to make the game accessible, enjoyable, and, yes, human. In an era where sport can often feel too clinical, too mechanical, Sam Torrance reminds us of golf’s heart and soul—a game played not just with skill but with spirit. A true treasure in the world of golf.

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