A Tribute to Auchterlonies – Where It All Began for Us

Martin Cummings owes a great debt to the Millars of Auchterlonies. In 1996, Martin sent a 4-page letter to Auchterlonies expressing his desire to learn the art of handcrafting wooden golf clubs but initially received no response.
 

Undeterred, he began to make phone calls to the Scottish shop making an impassioned plea for an apprenticeship. Finally, Bob Millar, Sr., the proprietor at Auchterlonies, agreed. Over the next few years, Martin would become friends with the Millar family, particularly Bob “Bobby” Millar, Jr., and that friendship continues today as they share not only their love for golf but also their love for life. 

 While Martin has played many world-class courses around the globe, including Pebble Beach in California, the K-Club in Ireland, and Kapalua in Hawaii, just to name a few, he is quick to say that nothing compares with the feeling you get while playing the Old Course at St. Andrews for the first.  He recalls fondly walking down the cobblestone streets in a golf shirt and tie as he made his way to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. 

 For his new friends at Auchterlonies had arranged for him to play the Old Course with a member of the esteemed R&A. He also enjoys the recollection of making an Eagle on the 16th hole the first time he played the Old Course, and that he loved the setting so much that he agreed to caddy for his caddy that afternoon in a tournament, just so he could walk the course again.