Ben Sayers silver plaque

This silver commemorative plaque records: Ben Sayers Born: - Leith in 1857 Died: - North Berwick in 1924 Although Ben Sayers was only 5ft3ins tall he was a giant amongst the new phenomena of socially repsected golf professionals. He started his professional career in 1873, teaching golf in North Berwick, having only started playing when he was 16 under the tutelage of James Kaye, professional at Seaton Carew. Such was his professional standing that he counted members of British and European royalty amongst his pupils. He was the first golf professional appointed in Monte Carlo. He toured the USA in 1914 and 1915 and was invited to play with President Taft. Ben Sayers was also involved in the early manufacture of gutta-percha golf balls and he expanded his manufacturing interests in gofing equipment to the extent that he supplied golf clubs on a world wide basis. Recorded plaque organisation: North Berwick In Bloom.

Ben Sayers, though small in stature at 5ft3ins, was a pioneering golf professional who significantly contributed to the sport's development and popularization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, teaching royalty and even playing with President Taft. He also played a crucial role in the manufacturing of golf equipment, including gutta-percha balls, expanding his influence globally.