A GOLFING stalwart from Greenmount was praised by a legendary commentator at The Open Championship – but missed his moment of fame first time round as he was out shopping.

Arthur Gardiner has recently reached the 60-year milestone as a member at Greenmount Golf Club and was lauded on-air to millions of BBC 2 TV viewers by Peter Alliss on Friday (July 17).

Mr Alliss was waiting for Englishman Tommy Fleetwood to tee off at St Andrews when he spoke about Mr Gardiner and the amount of hard work he puts in to the club.

The 73-year-old, who has lived in Greenmount all his life, became involved in the sport when he was 13 years old and continued playing until he underwent two operations on his spine.

Although Mr Gardiner no longer plays, the retired chartered accountant, who also has a law degree, helps out on the desk in open competitions and gives advice on company, legal and historical matters.

Mr Gardiner, who has a daughter Helen with his wife Margery, has been captain, president, treasurer, chairman of finance and is now a life member at the Greenmount club.

Mr Gardiner, former president of Bury and District Past Captains Association, said: “I was out shopping, as detailed by my wife, when Peter mentioned me, but when I came home Margery had a recording up on the tablet and I was really quite surprised when I heard it back.

“It was a big surprise for Peter to mention my name considering he has a handful of anecdotes. I just wondered why he mentioned me.

“I’ve been told since that an e-mail was sent to him some time ago leading up to my 60th anniversary and obviously he decided to pull it out and give me a mention.”

Phil Walsh, captain at Greenmount Golf Club, said: “We were delighted to mark Arthur’s fantastic achievement with a special gift and to ask Peter Alliss to give him a well-deserved surprise mention at The Open.

"We e-mailed him in February but heard nothing until the live TV broadcast last Friday.

"Peter Alliss is a great supporter of grassroots golf and his response was wonderful for Arthur and for Greenmount Golf Club.

"Arthur has been a very special member for many years, fulfilling most roles and still offering guidance and support whenever he is asked.”