It was a sporting life that spanned over half a century and was one enriched by memorable moments in the company of some of golf's greatest players.

 

Willie Aitchison, the celebrated Glasgow caddie who has passed away at the age of 85, was one of the game's most well-kent, dedicated and knowledgeable bagmen; a proud, passionate Scot whose canny eye and golfing instinct helped guide Roberto De Vicenzo to Open Championship victory in 1967 before a colourful alliance with Lee Trevino brought back-to-back Open triumphs in 1971 and 1972.

"I saw a stocky figure emerge from the back seat of the car wearing a stetson and cowboy boots and could hardly believe my eyes; frankly, I thought he was a nutcase," Aitchison once said, as he recalled his first meeting with the effervescent Trevino. It was an unlikely double act that would flourish. "Since I started in the British Amateur at St Andrews in 1951, caddying has been my life," Aitchison would reflect. Last night, tributes were paid to that life.

"Willie and I were like family," remarked Trevino. "He talked as much as I did, but I couldn't understand him half the time. He had a thick, thick Scottish accent. He was a proud Scotsman."

Sam Torrance, the former Ryder Cup-winning player and captain had Aitchison by his side during his formative years on the European Tour. He said: "I first met Willie at the Open in 1972 when he caddied for Lee Trevino, who of course won that year. He caddied for me for a while and we won a couple of events together. Willie then helped me when I was Ryder Cup captain at The Belfry. He was in charge of our team caddies. Willie was one of the all-time great caddies. He was a wonderful character. I have many great memories of him and I will dearly miss him."

Gary Player, the nine-time major champion who also utilised the wisdom of Aitchison, said: "I knew Willie very well and had the utmost respect for him. He was a wonderful man who really loved golf. He just loved golf. He caddied many times for me as well as many other top professionals. His knowledge and understanding of the game was fantastic and he had a passion for the history of golf. He will truly be missed."

Colin Montgomerie, the eight-time European No 1, added: "It was an honour to have such an experienced caddie in my early years on tour and I will never forget the advice and knowledge he passed on to me. The golf world has lost an iconic caddie and I send my deepest condolences to his family"

Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal & Ancient, said: "Willie was one of the great characters in golf and I enjoyed chatting to him at the Open over the years. He always had a story to tell and loved to talk about his memories of caddying for some of the great players. I remember him caddying for Lee Trevino at the Champions' Challenge ahead of the Open in 2000 and I know that meant a lot to him. He will be greatly missed."

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, added: "Willie was a great character and a renowned caddie who worked with some of the game's best players. He was a familiar face as the European Tour's long-term caddie master and even in recent years he would still pop in to see everyone at some of our Scottish events. Willie was undoubtedly one of the great caddies and he will be sorely missed."

Sandy Jones, the chief executive of the PGA, said: "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Willie. He is without doubt a legend of the game. He was one of the best and he worked for the best. He always led the way to give the caddies a better deal and he achieved that in his lifetime. I always enjoyed a blether with Willie and he will be sadly missed."