History of Alan Brodie Memorial

 

Alan McGregor Brodie was born on April 2, 1896 in North Berwick, Scotland.  Alan caddied on the West Links from the age of 10 and is listed in the misdemeanors book for refusing to carry when called by the Caddie Master. He was banned from the course for a week.  At the age of 14, Brodie started a five year apprenticeship as a clubmaker with Ben Sayers & Son.  Following WWI, Alan was granted a professional license on the West Links.

 

In December of 1921, Brodie arrived in Richmond and was appointed greenkeeper and pro at Lakeside Country Club where he remained for forty years. Alan met his wife Jean Archer while having a tooth extracted; she held his hand, reassured him and as he stated in an interview, “She’s been holding my hand ever since for 44 years”.

 

Jennings Culley, a reporter for the Richmond Times-Disptach worte, “Alan Brodie was a charmer, an entertaining guy who could spin a yarn better than a stand-up comic and could brighten a tough day with a humorous anecdote. He was your typical club pro from the old school – not a flashy player, but a fine teacher, club repairman, greenkeeper and goodwill ambassador.” Alan retired in 1961. He died May 10, 1978 at the age of 82.

After Alan Brodie retired, the Richmond Women’s Golf Association organized the Alan McGregor Brodie Couples Tournament. It is always played at Jefferson Lakeside Country Club, and for 17 years after he retired, Brodie would attend the awards ceremony. For many years after Alan’s death hid wife Jean would preside over the awards ceremony.

 

The Alan Brodie Memorial Tournament was replaced in 2019 with The Tom Barry Tournament.