Pollok Golf Club recently had the privilege of welcoming a very special group of guests as part of an extraordinary fundraising challenge held in memory of Jonathan Dobson, who tragically died in March following a snowboarding accident while on holiday in the French Alps.
Jonathan, who died just one day before his 43rd birthday, was a passionate golfer and outdoorsman whose love of sport, friendship and the mountains inspired those closest to him to organise a fitting tribute in his memory.
Remembering Jonathan
Pollok member Robert Alexander first became friends with Jonathan while the pair were pupils at Hutchesons’ Grammar School.
Jonathan, affectionately known as “Donkey” by his friends, remained close to Robert and their wider group of school friends even after moving to the north-east of Scotland.
Golf was a major part of Jonathan’s life. He was a long-standing member of Whitecraigs Golf Club before joining Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club after his move north, where he served as captain for three years and helped steer the club through the Covid-19 pandemic.
An accomplished golfer, Jonathan played off scratch, competed in Scottish Amateur qualifying in 2021 and won the Club Championship at Newburgh in 2022. Away from the golf course, he loved cycling, hillwalking, climbing and snowboarding.
An Epic Challenge in His Memory
Following Jonathan’s death, Robert and a group of his friends decided to bring together several of the activities Jonathan loved for a memorable fundraising challenge.
Their day began at 5am, with Robert cycling approximately 70km from Jonathan’s childhood home in Giffnock to the foot of Ben Lomond.
After completing the cycle, the group climbed Ben Lomond, where they were joined by another school friend, Ross McGinley, and Jonathan’s long-term partner, Pip.
There was then one final part of the challenge – 18 holes of golf at Pollok Golf Club.
Robert and Jonathan’s childhood friend Stuart Blair, who had both completed the demanding cycle that morning, were joined at Pollok by Jonathan’s parents, Jay and Rosemary, bringing an emotional and memorable day to a fitting conclusion.
Robert said:
“He loved the game and being in the outdoors so it felt fitting to have a triathlon-style day in his memory. Having Jay and Rosemary join Stuart and I at Pollok rounded off a very special day.”
He added:
“Jonathan was an amazing guy and is very much missed by anyone fortunate enough to have met him.”
Supporting Cairngorm Mountain Rescue
The challenge is raising funds for Cairngorm Mountain Rescue, a cause that held particular significance for Jonathan.
The team is made up entirely of volunteers who give their time to assist injured or lost people across a vast area of the Scottish mountains, operating in all weather conditions and relying on donations for its funding.
Jonathan’s father, Jay, explained why the organisation was an appropriate beneficiary:
“Their courage, commitment and selfless service to walkers, climbers and their families in time of need was always something Jonathan greatly respected.”
The fundraiser was established with an initial target of £5,000 and has already surpassed £7,000, an incredible response in Jonathan’s memory. It will remain open until Friday 18th September.
Pollok Golf Club was honoured to play a small part in such a meaningful day and extends its thoughts to Jonathan’s family, partner, friends and everyone who knew him.
Those wishing to support the fundraiser can make a donation below.