There were a few glasses raised to golf the other day when the PGA held its annual luncheon in Glasgow. Most of those clinking drinking vessels probably had something a bit stronger than a ‘John Panton’ in them but the eponymous ginger beer and lime concoction that became the celebrated Panton’s libation of choice would have provided a fitting toast at Jack Steven’s table.

Having served the PGA with great distinction down the years, having joined the professional ranks back in 1962, Steven was handed the John Panton Award in recognition of a career during which he became the well-kent professional at Glasgow Golf Club for 37 years.

Like many Scottish golfers of a certain vintage, Steven was heavily influenced and inspired by Panton, the much-cherished Glenbervie professional who was as renowned for his good manners and taciturn nature as he was for those bountiful successes that included multiple Scottish titles and a trio of Ryder Cup appearances.

"When I was considering turning pro many years ago, John had no vacancies at Glenbervie but he organised for me to go to Dalmahoy as an assistant to Alex Fox,” recalled Steven, after becoming the latest recipient of the lifetime achievement award. “My future had been decided by this quiet, modest man who had the respect of us all. And he is also the only golfer I know who has a drink named after him.”

Of course, those who know their titled tipples will appreciate that there is also the ‘Arnold Palmer’, a mixture of iced tea and lemonade. Funnily enough, after another agonising round spent thrashing and swiping away on the course, this correspondent invented his own ‘Nick Rodger’, a sturdy dram of whisky mixed with torrents of my own tears.

It was the 71-year-old Steven who was drinking in the acclaim on Wednesday as his fellow PGA members paid tribute to a life dedicated to this Royal & Ancient game. “To say I was completely overwhelmed when I received the letter informing me of this honour is putting it mildly,” he said. “I read it twice, sat down and took a deep breath. According to my wife, that is something I have been doing a lot of since my last birthday.

“It is a great privilege but I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for John Panton. He was my boyhood hero, my inspiration and my mentor. From this committed club professional, an ambassador for Scottish golf and a true gentleman I learned etiquette, responsibility and behaviour at a very young age. It won’t surprise you to know that I bought my first set of clubs from John. I met him when I was a junior member at Tulliallan when he visited the club. At the end of this I had the nerve to ask him for a golf lesson. Off I went to Glenbervie, duly got my lesson and he gave me that friendly smile and said, ‘I think you’d better come back for other lessons’.”