Why Are Players Wearing a Black Ribbon This Week at 2023 Genesis Scottish Open?

The 2023 Genesis Scottish Open is in full swing. The first round was led by South Korean golfer Byeong-hun An who opened the round with a 61 and took a two-shot lead.

Nonetheless, beyond golf, there is something unusual happening at the Renaissance Club. All the players have been seen wearing a black ribbon, the reason for which will leave you heart-broken and emotional. Let’s find out more.

Golfers sport a black ribbon on the grounds of Scottish Open

Famous philosopher Albert Schweitzer once said, “The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings”. And the players and caddies at the Scottish Open are giving meaning to his words by wearing black ribbons to honor the late Bill McColl. Bill was a former DP World Tour member and golf instructor. He passed away earlier this week on 10th July in a saddening car accident. McColl was said to have been on his way to give a golf lesson at St Andrew’s Golf Centre when the accident happened on the Links Crescent which is close to the Old Course.

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An emergency helicopter was quickly dispatched to the site due to which the first and 18th holes on the Old Course were closed for a while. Sadly Bill couldn’t survive. At the Scottish Open, a pamphlet was given to all which said: “Bill McColl, the former DP World Tour member and well-known face in Scottish golf, unexpectedly passed away this week on his way to give a golf lesson in St Andrews. Please take a black ribbon, if you wish, as a mark of respect for Bill.” And almost everyone showed solidarity and turned up on the greens with the ribbons.

Golf career and wins of Bill McColl

A popular face in Scottish golf, McColl was born and raised in Dundee, Scotland. In 1984, he won the Ivory Coast Open and followed it up with a PGA Club Professionals Championship in 1991. He held the European Tour card for 14 years during which he played in seven majors.

His biggest achievement perhaps was at the 1980 Open Championship at Muirfield where he was awarded the Tooting Bec Cup for the lowest round by a British player. 

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