SCRABO Golf Club has paid tribute to one of its most cherished and longstanding members, Will Dunlop, who passed away earlier this month.
Born just a stone’s throw from the course on Scrabo Road, Will’s connection to Scrabo began long before he ever swung a club. His membership, spanning over 60 years, stands as a testament not only to his love of golf, but to his deep-rooted pride in the place he always called home.
Will gave extraordinary service to the Newtownards club, serving as captain in 1984 before going on to spend 23 years in the role of vice-president. In 2008 and 2009, he was honoured to serve as president and represented Scrabo with the dignity and pride that defined him throughout his life.
Chris Fulton, the club’s honorary secretary, said Will’s ‘warmth, wisdom, and generosity of spirit enriched the clubhouse every single day’.
“Will joined the club in an era when every inch of the course was tended by hand, and he carried a remarkable memory of those early days,” explained Chris.
“His stories, rich with detail, sprinkled with humour and often accompanied by treasured artefacts, brought Scrabo’s history alive for all who listened. For younger members, he was a window into the past; for long-standing friends, he was a keeper of memories and a bridge between generations.
“In a recent video recorded at the club, Will spoke candidly about Scrabo being ‘a lifeline’ to him, particularly after the passing of his beloved wife. While he found comfort and fellowship here, it was Will himself who gave the club so much in return,” Chris said.
“Will was known by almost every member and he never walked past without offering a hello, a handshake and a wee story from yesteryear.
“His knowledge of all things Scrabo was unparalleled, his pride in the club unwavering. Whether sharing a memory, offering advice, or simply brightening someone’s day, he embodied the very best of who we aspire to be.
“He was proud of his time at Scrabo, of the friendships he made and of the memories he created. Most of all, we are proud – and honoured – to have called him a member, a friend and a treasured part of the Scrabo Golf Club family.”
Away from the golf course, Will was a highly-respected travel agent. He started his career in the Belfast Telegraph and then moved to Bray Travel before starting his own agency, Dunlop Travel, which grew to three branches across the province in Newtownards, Newcastle and Downpatrick. In 2007, he was inducted into the Roll of Honour at the Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards.
Will also had a long association with Ards Rugby Club as both a player and supporter. He captained the 2B XV in the 1968/69 season and like many of his generation, Will remained connected to the club long after his playing days were over. He was a generous supporter of Ards RFC over many years, contributing to appeals and fundraising efforts through Bray Travel and later Dunlop Travel.
Will was also a longstanding member of the Friends of Ards Rugby Lunch Society (FARLS), where his attendance and good company were greatly appreciated by fellow members.
In more recent seasons, Will continued to show his backing for the club through match sponsorship and regularly took an interest in how teams at all levels were doing.
Will Dunlop’s funeral service was held at Christ Church in Carrowdore on Monday, January 12.
