He is no respecter of reputations and barks out instructions to his array of pupils ranging from promising amateurs to established professionals with the same gravel-voiced authority, regardless of their status, in an effort to enhance their skills. Yet his voice audibly softens and he allows himself the semblance of a smile when he is asked about the latest member of his extensive stable to achieve success: Chris Doak.
The 34-year-old from Greenock claimed his maiden European Challenge Tour victory last weekend when he won the Allianz Open de Lyon title in a play-off. In the process, Doak also secured his full European Tour card for next season, by dint of moving from 20th to ninth on the Challenge Tour money list.
He would never admit it, of course, but you suspect that Torrance was grinning from ear-to-ear when Doak called his mentor to thank the remarkable 80-year-old for helping him realise his dream.
Doak lines up today in D+D Real Czech Challenge Open and Torrance said: "Chris winning has given me just as much satisfaction as I got from Padraig winning his Opens and the US PGA. Now that he's got his first one under his belt, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he wins again before the end of the season. He has three tournaments remaining and the chance to earn himself a really good card. Chris has a great work ethic; he is on the range at Inverclyde every day practising when he isn't playing tournament golf.
"When he came to me at first his swing was poor, but he's worked hard to rectify that; it's become a lot better and is improving all the time. He never questions what I tell him and his willingness to listen and learn means he's capable of doing well at the next level. You couldn't meet a nicer or more determined young man, either..
"Chris is a strong, powerfully-built individual; his biggest strength is he is a great ball striker and he isn't short off the tee, either. He blew his chance when he was in a similar position in the past, but he has now proved he isn't frightened to win."
Doak said: "It's great to be back on the European Tour and that's down to the coaching I've had from Bob that has made me mentally stronger."
