Sandy Lyle, Stephen Gallacher and R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers have been honoured in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.
Lyle, a two-time major champion and five-time Ryder Cup player, was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the game of golf.
The 66-year-old Scot won 18 times on the European Tour (now known as the DP World Tour) and after being named Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year in 1978, he was awarded the Order of Merit in 1979, 1980 and 1985 – the same year he won the Open at Royal St George's.
In 1988, he became the first British player to win a green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club when he hit a seven-iron into a fairway bunker for a birdie in the final moments that is now Masters legend. He played in more than 100 major championships and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
“I am honoured and humbled to be recognised in this way again as my contribution to the game I have loved since I took charge of the club,” said Lyle. “Being awarded the MBE in 1987 was beyond my expectations but to be awarded the OBE again makes me very proud.
“The game of golf has provided me with many incredible moments and memories over the years, which I have been privileged to share with my family and close friends throughout my career. I have experienced the inevitable ups and downs throughout my long career, but I have always received unwavering support from the British public, for which I am sincerely grateful.
“Looking at the development of the game today, I realise how far the game has come since my early days. I see so much talent in our country and across Europe and I hope that in some way my time in the game in the 70s, 80s and 90s paved the way for success in the game.”
Lisle's compatriot Gallagher was awarded an MBE on the honours roll in recognition of his services to the sport during a career spanning nearly 30 years.
The 49-year-old is a four-time DP World Tour champion, including back-to-back Omega Dubai Desert Classic titles in 2013 and 2014, and has made more than 650 appearances.
In 2014, he was a member of Paul McGinley's European team at the Ryder Cup on home soil at Gleneagles, and last year he led the European Junior Ryder Cup team to a 20.5-9.5 win over the United States, ending a six-match losing streak.
Gallagher also made a significant contribution to the game of golf through his eponymous foundation, with thousands of children benefiting from the coaching and education it provided.
I am so proud to have been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List. Golf has given me so many fantastic experiences and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way. Helen, Jack and Ellie, I would never have received this award without you. pic.twitter.com/tUkv7oM6OE
— Stephen Gallacher (@stevieggolf) June 15, 2024
Meanwhile, Martin Schlumbers has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) after announcing earlier this year that he would step down as chief executive of the R&A and secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at the end of 2024.
“When I took over the role at the R&A in 2015, I was motivated to contribute to the game I love,” said Schlumbers. “I discovered a real passion for our sport and a desire to increase its profile and appeal. It is truly an honour to be recognised in this way and I would like to express my gratitude to the very talented and professional team of colleagues at the R&A who have supported me over the past decade. This has truly been a fantastic experience and one I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
