A Moray golf club was closed to the public yesterday after the tragic death of a man on the course.
David Lyon is understood to have suffered a heart-related medical issue and died playing the game he loved at Strathlene Golf Club in Buckie on Saturday.
Police and ambulance crews were sent to the scene at around 3.20pm following reports that a 54-year-old man had collapsed.
He sadly died at the scene, devastating friends and family and colleagues at the club.
Mr Lyon, known to some as Spenny, was a senior member at the course and had for many years served as club administrator.
Police stressed there were no suspicious circumstances and that a report would be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Yesterday the club closed its doors to allow the police investigation to take place.
A simple message posted by the club online read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Strathlene Golf Club and the course will be closed tomorrow.”
Club captain, Sandy Mackie, subsequently paid tribute to Mr Lyon.
He said: “David served for many years as club administrator and was a hard working, quiet and unassuming gentleman.
“He was a well liked and respected club member and good friend to many.
“He will be sorely missed by all at Strathlene Golf Club.”
Those thoughts were followed by scores of comments from devastated friends and acquaintances.
Stephen Grant described him as a “great club man”.
Richard Cormack wrote: “Such sad news…..thoughts and prayers to all…..RIP Spenny”
Brian Slorach posted: “So sad. He’ll be missed. Nae a bad bone in him”.
And Marie Mcintosh wrote: “So sad. Thinking of all the family at this sad time. Topper of a bloke who will be sorely missed.”
A police spokesman said they worked with colleagues in the ambulance service during the incident.
He described the death as “a medical matter”
Buckie independent councillor Gordon Cowie also paid tribute to Mr Lyon last night.
He said: “My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family for what must be a very sad loss.”
The historic Strathlene course was founded in 1877 and the clifftop links course is highly regarded in the sport.
In 1936 the course was extended to 18 holes with the purchase of ground on the headland between Strathlene and the village of Findochty.