Aberdeen care home resident takes trip down memory lane with outing to favourite golf course

Alexander Kemp, a resident at Jesmond Home in the Bridge of Don, was guest of honour at Murcar Links, which he called “one of the best courses” he ever played.

An Aberdeen care home resident and lifelong golf fanatic has taken a trip down memory lane with an outing to his favourite golf course.

Alexander Kemp, a resident at Renaissance Care’s Jesmond Home in the Bridge of Don, was guest of honour at Murcar Links, which the 77-year-old rates as “one of the best courses” he ever played.

He was greeted by club captain Brian Smith, manager George Bruce and resident pro Gary Forbes and shared some memories with long-time members Sam Pender and Harry McKay.

Mr Kemp – known as Sandy - was treated to lunch and gifted a Murcar cap to mark the occasion.

“I had a great time, everyone was lovely, and I was glad of the chance to go back again,” said Sandy. “I’m looking forward to telling my daughter all about it.”

Sandy no longer plays due to mobility issues but had an impressive handicap of 7 in his heyday. His favourite player of all time was the Scottish legend Sandy Lyle, who won The Open in 1985.

Brian Smith said: “It’s always good to see both old and new faces at the club. We were delighted that Sandy was able to visit again and catch up with some of the members who recognised him from years gone by. It was a lovely occasion and a reminder of the friendships and memories that stay with us throughout the years.”

Founded in 1909, Murcar Links was originally designed by Archie Simpson and revised by James Braid and is located on a classic stretch of links land on the Aberdeenshire coast with sand dunes and magnificent views across the North Sea. The course is a European Tour venue and hosted the R&A Men’s & Women’s Home Internationals in 2024.