Inverness Golf Club will say goodbye to a stalwart of nearly 50 years this weekend.

Mel Douglas will retire from his role as the club’s head professional after Saturday, bringing an end to his 47-year affiliation with Inverness Golf Club.

The 63-year-old, originally from Nairn, says it was the level of administration required in the role that convinced him it was time to hand over the reins, and he is looking forward to getting back on the golf course for pure enjoyment.

“I’m really looking forward to retirement,” he said.

“I’m going to start playing golf after all these years! As a pro, you tend to be in the shop or out teaching, so it’s a lot of organisation rather than actually playing. I’m looking forward to getting out on the course to play instead of talking about it.

“We were doing crazy hours during the summer. I left home at 7am and got back at 7pm, and I would still be looking at emails while I was having my tea. I’m getting too old for that, so it’s time to call it a day.

“I will miss the day-to-day and just talking to people. People normally come into the shop before they go out to play, and sometimes I think they come in just to wind me up.

“It’s good banter, and people come in just to have a blether.”

Douglas was made an honorary member at the club a few years ago, and points to the creation and development of the ladies’ section at the club – which now boasts 50 to 60 members – over the last five years as one of his proudest accomplishments.

He will be replaced as Inverness Golf Club’s pro by both Ross Black and David Grindell, who will jointly be taking on the role after working alongside Douglas for the last 13 years.

“It’s really pleasing that the two lads who work with me have got my job,” Douglas added.

“I know I’m leaving it in good hands. They are good lads, and they will make a good go of it I’m sure.

“It’s definitely a good feeling that it’s guys who worked with me that have got my job, rather than a stranger coming in.”

There will be many highlights for Douglas across his years as Inverness Golf Club’s professional, but he may have gone out on another high.

Just hours after confirming his retirement, and immediately after speaking to The Inverness Courier, he went out to play a round on the course and managed to hit a hole in one on the 82-yard 15th hole.

Douglas’ playing partners for the round were George Grant and Roddie Davidson.