David Scott to become PGA captain in 2025
The Dumbarnie Links general manager said he was “honoured” after being invited to become captain of The Professional Golfers’ Association in 2025
David Scott said he was “lost for words” after being asked to become PGA Captain in 2025.
The Dumbarnie Links general manager, a hugely respected and popular figure in the game, will succeed Peter Laugher, who takes over from current captain Tim Rouse next year.
Acknowledging it will be the “crowning glory” of an exceptional career, the 60-year-old will join a who’s who of British and Irish golfers to have held the prestigious role, including Harry Vardon, James Braid, Sir Henry Cotton, Max Faulkner, Peter Alliss and Bernard Gallacher.
“I’m absolutely delighted, it’s a great honour,” he said. “Alan White, the chairman of The PGA, approached me to say that the board had recommended me for the position and he asked if I would consider it.
“Well, I would’ve bitten his hand off when he offered me the position. I couldn’t believe it. It’s not often I’m lost for words but I was on this occasion. You just have to look at the list of past captains that have served The PGA to appreciate the stature of the position.
“One name, of course, who means a lot to me on that list is Jim Farmer (former PGA and PGA Cup Captain). I immediately told Jim of the invitation and he was absolutely delighted for me. I’m sure he’ll have some nuggets of wisdom to share with me.”
David Scott: “I’ve got The PGA running through my veins”
Scott began his PGA journey as an assistant at Blairgowrie in 1982 before becoming the first professional at Letham Grange. He moved on to Balbirnie Park and was also director of golf at Kingsbarns Golf Links.
A former director of operations at the Duke’s Course and Old House Hotel, he now steers the helm at Dumbarnie Links, the new Fife course that has opened to public acclaim.
Scott represented Great Britain & Ireland in The PGA Cup in 1990, was captain of the PGA in Scotland in 1999 and become a Master Professional in 2018.
“I’ve got The PGA running through my veins,” he added. “In my time with the Association, I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed some great moments. Representing my country as a player in The PGA Cup, for instance, was a massive honour.
“The Captaincy, though, will be very different. To represent the thousands of PGA Members we have is something I’ll cherish and I’ll dive in deep to continue to promote the brilliant work that The PGA and its members do for golf.”
Rob Maxfield, chief executive of The PGA, said of Scott’s nomination: “We are delighted to announce that David Scott will rightfully earn his place in the PGA history books among some very notable names in golf as a PGA Captain.
“Throughout his four decades as a proud PGA Member, as a past PGA Cup player and as a former Captain of The PGA in Scotland, David has been a loyal and superb ambassador for the Association.
“His commitment and devotion to golf at all levels of the game earned David the status of PGA Master Professional, and with a wealth of golfing experience, I’m confident David will prove to be a very popular Captain amongst the Membership.”
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
