Golf: Tributes paid as Dave Renwick passes away

Tributes have flooded in for Dave Renwick, the legendary Lothians caddie who has died after a year-long battle with cancer.

Dave Renwick was caddie for more than one Major winner. Pic: Getty

The 62-year-old from East Calder won five majors with three different players – three with Fijian Vijay Singh and one each with Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal and Australian Steve Elkington.

News of Renwick’s death cast a shadow over the Omega Dubai Desert Classic during its first round at The Emirates Golf Club.

“Dave was always a good guy to be around – I always enjoyed his company,” said winning Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, who is commentating on the event in the UAE. “He never worked with me, but he was a good caddie and did a great job for Vijay. He will be missed.”

Renwick, who turned to caddying after a spell as a rigger in the North Sea, landed his first major when Olazabal won The Masters in 1994.

He then carried Elkington’s bag as the Australian claimed the 1995 US PGA Championship at Riviera in Los Angeles, beating Colin Montgomerie in a play-off.

But his best spell came with Singh, who won the US PGA win 1998 then again in 2004 with a Masters triumph sandwiched in between in 2000 when the pair worked together.

“He had a phenomenal record and that shows what a great caddie he was,” said Phil ‘Wobbly’ Morbley, who helped Ian Woosnam win The Masters in 1991.

“I’ve known him since he first started caddying for Jose Maria Olazabal out in Switzerland and myself and Billy Foster went to see him when we were in Scotland for the Dunhill Links last October.

“He was definitely what you’d call an old school caddie and, like a lot of us, he liked to join the guys for a few bevvies.”

“He was a funny man, too, and he will be sorely missed. We will all be thinking about him today.”

Damian Moore, Stephen Gallacher’s caddie, added: “Dave helped me settle in when I moved to Mid Calder and introduced me to all the lads in the local pub.

“He’s been a huge figure in Scottish golf and should probably get a place in the Hall of Fame.”

MORE: Dave Renwick – my highs and lows with Olazabal

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