Longtime CSGA official Malcolm McLachlan is the 2017 Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame inductee in the area of Distinguished Service to Golf. McLachlan served as CSGA Director of Rules and Competitions for fourteen years and is also known for his years of involvement with the USGA and his dedication to furthering Rules of Golf education and awareness.
McLachlan’s service to the CSGA began in 1990 as a member of the CSGA Executive Committee. During his time on the Executive Committee he served as 2nd Vice President, Vice President for Club Relations, and Vice President for Competitions. McLachlan is an emeritus member of the CSGA Board of Directors, a member of the USGA Rules Committee, USGA Senior Amateur Championship Committee and a member of the New England Golf Association. During his career he has served as the Official in Charge at hundreds of CSGA tournaments and USGA qualifiers, and has been widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on the Rules of Golf in the Northeast.
“I have known Malcolm for 35 years. His love of the game and reputation as a true gentleman has earned him the respect and friendship of the entire golfing community not only in Connecticut but on a national level as well”, stated Dave Szewczul a multi-year CSGA Player and Senior Player of the Year and 2010 Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame inductee.
In 1997, at a time of reorganization at the CSGA, McLachlan initiated and organized the Club Representative program which remains an important foundational component of the organization. Through his efforts he recruited a number of volunteers, many whom continue to be involved to this day. In his role as Director of Rules and Competitions, he was instrumental in elevating the quality of CSGA events particularly in the areas of Rules education and the introduction of comprehensive pace of play policies. Over the years, McLachlan has conducted countless Rules of Golf workshops resulting in the accreditation of many CSGA Rules Officials and has delivered his popular presentation on the Most Misunderstood Rules of Golf to many interested club members throughout the region.
“Malcolm is one of the best Rules men I’ve ever known,” said CSGA Executive Director, Mike Moraghan. “It is rare to find someone with his level of knowledge and experience, and his contributions to the CSGA have been monumental for many years.”
Competing as a player in many CSGA championships dating back to the 1960s, McLachlan’s golfing history started as the scion of a founding family at the Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, CT where he has enjoyed a lifetime affiliation. Over the years McLachlan served that club in many capacities including twelve years on the Board of Directors and Committee Chair for Golf and Greens during which time the course saw two major renovations.
On the golf course, McLachlan won the Junior Club Championship and was three time Senior Club Champion. He was a two-time Club Championship finalist, one-time Member-Guest Champion and winner of the George McLachlan 4-Ball Championship twice. McLachlan was also a Senior Club Champion at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club twice, Past President of the Junior Senior Golfing Society, and a member of the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda for nearly 50 years as well as quarter finalist in the Bermuda Invitational.
The Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame dates back to 1955 when Robert M. Grant was inducted for his “Distinguished Golf Achievement.” In 1957 Wilton W. Sherman became the first inductee in the category of “Distinguished Service.” McLachlan becomes the 90th overall inductee into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame, and the 39th selected for Distinguished Service to Golf.
Article by: Bruce Berlet, 2009 Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
