Mr Joe Manson
8 April 1942 - 13 April 2026
Cupar Golf Club said a final farewell to Club President Joe Manson on Tuesday 28 April 2026. Joe was quite simply a club legend. A true gentleman in every sense, he embodied the spirit of Cupar Golf Club. He was a wonderful source of club history, meticulously recording results and traditions, and his knowledge and advice were always freely given and greatly appreciated.
Joe was a member of Cupar Golf Club for over 50 years and gave extraordinary service to the club throughout that time. He served as Club Captain on three occasions (1980–81, 1996 and 2006) before being elected Club President in 2012, a role he carried with great pride and commitment. Even in recent years, Joe remained a familiar and much-valued presence around the club.
Many members will have their own memories of Joe—whether as a playing partner, a competitor, or a friend. His long-standing partnership with Graham Sinclair, spanning hundreds of rounds and notable successes including multiple McColm Cup victories, is just one example of the deep friendships he formed through the game.
Joe won almost every trophy on offer at Cupar, although the DMS Trophy which he donated along with Graham Sinclair and Andy Dick, eluded him. Amazingly his first and last, competitive success was in the McKellar Cup, in 1967 and then again 55 years later in 2023! In fact he won competitions in every one of the last 7 decades, a truly remarkable feat and one that illustrates his long lasting affection for the club, and the game of golf.
He also relished the club away day every year to play for the Peripatetic Cup. He won the Peri twice, in 1983 (King James VIth) and 2001 (Glenisla). He announced his retirement from the Peri in 2021 at Kirriemuir, but came out of retirement 2 years later to play at Blairgowrie for the 150th year anniversary. When not competing in the event though, he would join the players for the after match meal, enjoying the social element as much as the competitive side of golf.
Joe’s contribution extended far beyond competition. From supporting club events, to the care he took each year in preparing the Open Sweep draw, he played a central role in the life and character of the club. He had an infectious enthusiasm, a sharp wit, and a warmth that made everyone feel welcome.
Alongside his golfing life, Joe was also a distinguished rugby player and long-time supporter of Howe of Fife Rugby Club. Together with his late wife Anne, herself a former Ladies’ Captain at Cupar, they played many Mixed Opens around Fife and enjoyed a few successes along the way.
Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the traditions he upheld, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless memories he helped create at Cupar Golf Club.
Joe Mason winning the TSB Open at Cupar
L to R.
Jim Honeyman (club captain) Irvine Wilson, Joe Mason, Mavis McAndrew (presenting the cup), Archie Bruce, John Mcue, Les McAndrew.
Mr Alan J Gardiner
Alan first tasted victory at Cupar Golf Club in 1977 securing his first junior club championship title. He followed that victory with two successive defences of the title.
Junior Club Champion - 1977, 1978, 1979
Progressing to adult golf saw Alan success continue but it wasn't until ten years later that his name would appear on the winners’ board again. 1989 saw him crowned Club Champion for the first time.
Two further titles in the early nineties, took his overall tally to six club championships at Cupar Golf Club.
There was five years gap until his next success in 1998 followed by successful defence in 1999. Alan has the distinct achievement of being the last club champion before the new millennium. Two more titles followed in 2002 and again in 2003.
Alan remained on seven Gents Club Championships for nine years until 2012 when another title found its way into his trophy cabinet.
The next ten years saw Alan miss out on the title as the younger generation comprising of Smith, Rickard, Sutherland and Spence shared the championship between them.
On the hunt for more silver way, Alan secured his ninth title in 2023. A victory that meant he had won the Gents Club Championship in five different decades.
A successful defence in 2024, saw Alan crowned Gents Club Champion for the 10th (TENTH) time. A staggering achievement.
Gents Scratch Club Champion – 1989, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2023, 2024
In 2015 Alan got his hands on his first Senior Club Championship. A brace of titles followed in 2019 and 2020. No title for Alan in 2021 but that didn't deter him as he started the championship quest again in 2022 and managed to bag another Senior Club Championship title that summer.
They often say defending a trophy is hard, but Alan continued defeating all those that tried to wrestle the trophy from him. Another Senior Club Championship followed for Alan in 2023 and again in 2024.
Senior Club Champion – 2015, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
Alan is the only member to have won both the Gents Club Championship and Senior Club Championship in the same year. An impressive feat, even more so as Alan has done it twice (2023 & 2024).
Alan has also represented Cupar Golf Club regionally and nationally with great distinction as well as serving as Junior Convenor in the 1990s.
Alan success also included the lowest scratch score at the Cupar Gents Open in 2023.
If you ever want to hear about Alan's golfing prowess then just ask him or even ask Scott Douglas, Club Captain. In the late 80s, Alan had his golf clubs stolen while at the Belfry, on his return to Cupar, Scott offered Alan a replacement putter that was similar to the stolen club. Who knows..........if Scott hadn't given that putter away then this story could have been about a certain Mr Douglas.
Scott Douglas, Club Captain (left) presents Alan Gardiner with Gents Club Championship on 16 June 2024.
