A Golfing Legend - Sam Torrance W/ Iona

I first met Sam Torrance at the Ducks inn, in East Lothian Scotland while covering the Scottish open for Sky. I went over to say hello and called him ‘Me Torrance’. He looked at me and said ‘Iona please, it’s Sam, Mr Torrance is my dad’. We’ve been friend ever since.
Sam has been a stalwart of the game, not just for his prowess on the course, but for the kind of character that has endeared him to fans, peers, and commentators alike. He’s one of those rare figures who seem to embody the very essence of golf itself, blending wit, wisdom, and no small amount of grit.
Born in Largs, Scotland, Torrance was, from a young age, destined for the fairways. You see, he grew up steeped in the game, with his father Bob Torrance-himself a revered coach-instilling in him a deep love for golf's traditions. It was clear Sam had inherited not only the familial passion but also a prodigious talent, as he turned professional at just 16 years old. And what a career followed.
Though Sam never won a major championship, that hardly seems to matter in the grand tapestry of his career. No, Torrance’s legacy isn’t defined by silverware alone. He won 21 European Tour events, but it is his contribution to team golf, particularly the Ryder Cup, where his mark is truly indelible. As a player, he represented Europe in eight Ryder Cups, famously holing the winning putt in 1985 to secure Europe's first victory in 28 years. That moment, arms raised to the sky, has become etched into the folklore of the competition.
Yet, it is his role as captain of the 2002 European Ryder Cup team that has cemented his status as a golfing icon. Under his gentle but firm leadership, Europe triumphed over the Americans in a contest that was filled with drama, tension, and, ultimately, triumph. Torrance’s ability to inspire loyalty and camaraderie, while keeping the pressure at bay, made him a beloved leader.
Off the course, Sam has become equally cherished for his insightful, often humorous commentary. I’ve had the honour of working along side Sam at the DPWT and like many of my colleagues, I never take time with Sam for granted.
Sam Torrance possesses that rare ability to make the game accessible, enjoyable, and, yes, human. In an era where sport can often feel too clinical, too mechanical, Sam Torrance reminds us of golf’s heart and soul-a game played not just with skill but with spirit. A true treasure in the world of golf.
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[@Andrewxarmstrong]

The warmth and love radiating from this video is food for the soul. Brilliant.

[@xbe1971]

Agreed. Genuine and humble. Learnt a lot from his Dad...and a wonderful human being all round. I salute you sir.

[@colinmckillop3058]

Tears of joy watching this. Mr Torrance is the 1st pro golfer I ever met, the kindness he showed me has stuck to this day, a hero. As a young child at my 1st tournament I stood at the 18th green, children were asking for autographs, I had no idea what this meant but asked anyway, to my surprise Mr Torrance approached me and asked what he was to sign, I didn't have anything for him to sign and I froze. He very kindly went into his bag pulled out a golf ball, signed it a passed it to me, such a gentleman saving my embarrassment.

[@simonreynolds8950]

Iona has the charm, intellect and empathy to get the people she is interviewing to think it is a chat in the garden. As a result we get so much more. This was a brilliant 46 minutes.

[@charlies5266]

could listen to Sam talking about golf in the 70,s 80,s and 90,s for hours....a great era for european golf and great characters that the game is missing today, God bless you Sam a true character of golf. Great vid Iona

[@briandalgleish9768]

Simply put , what a brilliant video, full of emotion, tears ( any chat about Seve always does this) , the smiles, the cheeky grin, his twinkle in the eyes, the way Iona was speaking and asking the question with genuine interest, fantastically put together video, and to whoever chose the background music, spot on, perfect tempo, thank you for sharing this Iona ❤

[@gbc7344]

💯

[@KennethWiddifield]

An absolute legend is Sam Torrance! What a life he must of had in those old day's. A fine gentleman too! Thanks Iona, this one brought tears to my eyes

[@Ntheguitar]

My goodness, what a wonderful video. It's lovely to hear him speak so candidly and with such emotion about his life, a great privilege. Thank you so much.

[@allanroberts4387]

Could listen to Iona and Sam all day long.What a fabulous interview with a true legend of the game.

[@tom5216]

I was a young policeman in Largs around 1973. My friend Robin Knox and I were on duty and dropped into Routenburn golf club. Robin was friends with Bob Torrance who was in the bar at the time. There was a guy hitting balls off the 1st tee up the hill to the first green and I asked what he was doing hitting balls in the dark. Bob said, “oh that’ll be Sam, don’t worry, all the balls will be on the green, we’ll pick them up in the morning. Sadly, Robin passed away in July last year 2023. He always had good things to say about Bob and Sam. They are local legends. I wish Sam well. He was a great golfer and a great commentator. We all thought he’d be the next Peter Allis. His admiration and respect for Severiano and his obvious sense of loss are so apparent here. Sam’s all heart.

[@bmurd45]

This was my favourite guests you’ve had. What a fantastic man with amazing memories. Coming from the West of Scotland myself I felt a deep connection with him, but I suppose that is one of his greatest gifts, such a special person. Thank you Sam for the everything over the years. ❤

[@jaywilliams6460]

I have no idea how every golfer/golf fan is not a follower of Iona. Heart and style collide in every video she makes. This is top level. Keep it up Iona!

[@clydesandry5351]

I have loved and respected Sam ever since I started to play. As a man and a golfer. He along with Manual Lara opened our golf course at Roda Spain. As owners we had the privilege of walking very closely to them. He was amazing. It was a serious comp and yet he even allowed us to ask questions from the sidelines. This simple unselfish gesture has become one of golfing highlights in 40 yrs of playing. Sorry for the lengthy response, but wanted to pay my little tribute 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheMurfield]

Sam Torrance is such a beautiful soul. Brilliant and touching. Thank YOU.

[@charlies5266]

Iona.....best interview yet....do another one with Sam and get him to tell you some stories from yester year....it would be a block buster

[@tonydukes9226]

I've played and watched golf for 35 years,sir Sam torrence in my eyes is the holy grail of this beautiful game and such a beautiful man ❤

[@darrenpower9397]

Your greatest production yet, emotional, informative and to have Sam open up with all the memories was magical, what a character and hats of to you Iona, never interrupting, the sign of a great interviewer, you could see the immense respect you have towards Mr Sam Torrance. Magical

[@iant4862]

such a beautiful, relaxing and lovely video Iona- they just get better and better. Sam is such a decent, kind human being and its interviews and pieces like this that are the nuggets of joy and gold stuck in amongst the loud, in your face world of today- Top class

[@user-fc8zy5sx4i]

Hey Iona, I've followed your amazing progress and enjoyed every minute. I came in from a day of golf, takeaway in hand, checked YT & found this wonderful episode with Sam. I'm 68 & the memories thrown up by your interview brought back memories & emotions. I cried, I punched the air, I laughed, I cried again at Sevy's passing and throughout, your professionalism shone through. Hold your head high, magnificent, your not only learning your craft, you're nailing it & credit for a great production and edit. Your future is very bright, proud of what you have become after the disappointment of stopping playing, but I must say, still a force to be reckoned with out there. Take care of you & yours, God Bless.

[@marcel499]

This is golf KZbin perfection. Thank you.

[@propjoe1060]

Sam is one of my favourite people in golf, an absolute gent and a legend of European golf. Could listen to him talk for hours and not get bored. Marvellous content!

[@kenny180369]

What a truely moving video,I got emotional when he was speaking and reminiscing about the great Seve I had tears in my eyes. This is by far your best video Iona keep up the fantastic work from a fellow Scot

[@Rob_b0601]

Impossible not to warm to such a genuinely decent person. With his love of the game, natural wit, glint in his eye and his sense of mischief, Sam could read the phone book (is there still such a thing?) and it would be entertaining.

[@brianelrick3971]

What a story.What a golfer and a Legend in Scotland. Proud of you Sam Torrance.❤

[@stewartfindlay251]

One of my sporting heroes. Thanks Iona for this fantastic interview. Brough back some fantastic memories of watching him from the 70's.

[@Skeeta56]

Another exceptional drop by my friend from Scotland. Well played Iona and crew!!!

[@charussell01]

What a joy, Sam a great hero of mine growing up in Fife golf was in your DNA, now in my 60's and having re discovered the great game after a 25 year gap. Keep up the good work Iona ❤

[@Crustyjox2023]

A gentleman, legend, warrior of his time. What a lovely interview..

[@philshield2027]

What a brilliant video and what a lovely man Sam is. Such heart felt feeling for Seve. I loved this

[@thedivotgolf]

What a lovely piece. Softly spoken, wonderful memories and you can feel the appreciation seeping out of him. Live life with a smile and a moustache

[@dylanharrington744]

As a young Golfer, I was lucky enough to meet Sam and Mark James at the same time. They played together at the Welsh Open and were the current and future Captains of the European Ryder Cup team. Both had time to stop and share a few words with myself. The passion Sam has for the Game is clearly evident.

[@philipcarthy2977]

What a wonderful man, player this man is, he brought me some of the best memories I have watching golf,big characters like Sam are missing these days.

[@rightsidebend]

What a treat for you being able spend time with him. Love his voice. Could listen to his commentary all day long.

[@barryporter5475]

Without a doubt these are the greatest golf videos on KZbin, Iona is pure class. The insight and emotion is palpable.

[@billmeatfirewhisky2780]

To this day I cannot understand why Iona is not doing these for TV. Incredible once again.❤

[@eamonncarlon6931]

Your videos get better and better Iona. Could have listened to you both chatting golf, life all day! San is a Legend, tears up when he talks about Seve, he clearly had massive respect for him😢 Fantastic video, well done you 👏👏

[@Odessa654-x9s]

The production value on your videos is on another level entirely. Hats off to you and your team, Iona. The silence and beauty of being on the course, nothing but the focus of the game and respect for your interviewee, perfectly captured in every detail. I found this incredibly moving. Bravo. 🙏🏻

[@mikebouliane9120]

What a beautiful man. I would so love to play a round with him and listen to every story he had to tell. Great interview Iona, you are exceptional at what you do. A true joy to watch.

[@paulgray7669]

Best guest by far. Sam Torrence was, is and always will be a classy classy guy and an absolute gentleman. Could listen to him and that voice for hours. Emotional man top as you can tell when he speaks of Seve.

[@gilscot100]

Thank you Iona. What a super interview. This is a strange comment. I learned to play golf with my Dad starting about age 10. Cut off 3 wood and putter in his bag and if the course (Dalmahoy near Edinburgh) was quiet he would drop a ball for me. Holidays always near a golf course - Troon, North Berwick, Dornoch - same thing…drop a ball if quiet. And we went to several tournaments together. Sadly he died in 1972 when I was 17. To hear Sam talk about names from the past brings back so many memories. When Sam grew his mustache it was freaky how much he looked like my Dad and even his body shape and swing. Even his calm demeanor. Not in a weird way, but I followed Sam’s career. He was a favorite to follow along with dear Sevvy (all time favorite). After Dad died I carried on playing using some of his clubs! By the way I never grew taller than 5ft and am female. I didn’t get my own clubs until I was 22. Now retired and almost 70 I am still playing every week.

[@olieog]

Fabulous video. Stunning quality. What a guest, has always seemed to me to be a man of integrity and warmth, shines through in abundance. Thanks for the memories Sam. I’ll have a drink in the bin for you next time I’m at the belfry!

[@markdfly]

What a lovely humble compassionate man Sam is. Really enjoyed this one. Your channel just gets better and better keep it going Iona you have one of the best golf channels on KZbin ⛳❤👏👏👏

[@garyfuzz2434]

What a great interview with an absolute gentleman.Sam was one of my hero’s growing up and hearing his reflection on life has a made a 50 year old man feel 10 years old again

[@jimm.3845]

That was a true pleasure ... my thanks to you both and also to whoever is responsible for the editing. Great work all round.

[@paulgreen8228]

This was one of those magical moments in sport, I will remember it for ever, what a gentleman. And coming from Melbourne, wow, he loved the Melbourne PGA tournament. You bring the best out of people, a wonderful skill, thank you

[@davidtison905]

Another gem, Iona. You should be very proud of what you have created here. And I was happy to see Mr Torrance wearing a hoodie. I'm an old guy who likes the golf hoodie.

[@tclarke5615]

The quiet calm resonated by Mr Torrance is matched by the personality of Iona. This is developing into a must watch series, well done Iona and the production team, 1st class.

[@davidsayers2753]

I had the pleasure of meeting Sam a couple of times - courtesy of a mutual friend and our director of golf at the Bucks - the wonderful John O Leary. John is sadly no longer with us but my word those chats we had together made me laugh so hard - wonderful to see "San" in such great form - thank you Iona

[@woodyboonen8675]

Brilliant interview and memories. You brought out the best in our beautifully reflective Sam who we love. It was so good to see him again and enjoy his stories and his flawless timing back to the ball is still how we all used to copy back in the day. One of us, the pair of ye 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@garytaylor8800]

Iona, you've gone and done it again. What a fantastic video. Great interview and interviewee. Have always loved Sam and he's still a character to this day. Keep them coming! 👍

[@billydun32]

Fantastic interview Iona, could have listened to you both for hours, just a couple of Scots having a natter about the great game we all love. Best episode yet

[@mckell19]

What a great guy and interview. Loved watching him play when I was growing up, then see him captain Europe and then hear him on comms. Legend 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@BrianTaylor-xl1iw]

That was the best 45 minutes ever! Smile on my face from start to finish - well done Iona. Your content continues to go from strength to strength. What a lively grounded bloke Sam is - a credit to Scotland.

[@markpond8136]

Superb … I had the privilege of meeting Seve twice on the same day … when I was working for Spalding Sports on tour …. I will never forget the hushed silence when he walked into the hotel restaurant …. He was a true gentleman on both times I met him and his sons and daughter … great memories and great times Iona ….

[@GordonGrandison]

What a great video. Brilliant questions from Iona about golf heroes in my era. Sam Torrance is a true Scottish legend and love hearing his stories. Golf has changed but not convinced it is better. Iona is a joy to watch and she will rise to the top of golf media.

[@TheAidanPlace]

What a wonderful piece of work Iona. Sam is a true gent and you've shown him as the man he is.

[@gerardtobin8886]

So glad you took my suggestion and brought us Sam on the road 😊 . One of the best you’ve done. Thank you 🙏 x

[@markpalmer5757]

What a privilege to watch & listen to Mr Torrance,to see the emotion when talking about Seve wow,he is an absolute gentleman & a treasure to golf. We could all learn from his humility. Great video Iona

[@playandteach]

Just lovely. Gorgeous photography, lovely time of day on the course, great chat. A great player with no hint of has-been. Thanks.

[@Ruth-ti6si]

Love this video Iona. Sam seems like a real gentleman who wears his heart on his sleeve. Really emotional.

[@robertalmeida3180]

Great video, Iona ! You have the ability to make the people you talk to relax and be themselves. Also, the camera closeups used throughout are outstanding. Whoever filmed this needs to do several more. Good work!

[@ianbrady1525]

Thank you Iona. An absolutely gorgeous video. The clear and calm essence of true Scottish manners, understanding, and eloquence. I'm Irish but my Dad was from Glasgow; Denistoun, born and raised - who cam to live in Ireland and married a wee woman from Kilkenny. Reminds me so much of my Scots heritage. Thank you again. I wish you every success!!

[@orrain18]

Listening to Sam talk Seve has me welling up, fantastic video as always Iona. Keep up the stellar work.

[@shannyfoo]

Brilliant interview. Him & Trevino on a round with Alliss were my introduction to golf as a kid. Loved him ever since

[@davidbarnard2716]

Never mind his golf (which is still great, albeit with the odd towrag), but such a lovely warm genuine man. He is a gentleman in every sense and I could listen to him talking for a very long time. Thank you Iona, you are the best thing on KZbin.

[@rickggrick778]

I am too new to golf to have been aware of Sam as a player or a captain. So, how have you drawn me into this story? It was so much more engaging than the bulk of what's on television. Well done, Iona and team.

[@jamiecbs]

I grew up watching Sam .. such a lovely man … and listening to two beautiful Scottish accents too … Iona’s accent is like melting butter on fresh sweetcorn … delicious 😅 … such an enjoyable watch .. thank you 🙏

[@cestoz]

The channel continues to surpass the standards it's setting, in terms of quality golf content.. incredible stuff. Could maybe have separate videos purely of the golf as would love to see every hole you both played and great chat between you both; must be so hard editing these videos so why not have an extended edition 😊

[@SpagMyBolUp]

Another wonderful piece Iona. The production and editing are sublime but the choice of interviewees makes this series must watch - many congratulations.

[@davidparker9591]

An excellent watch - could listen to him all day and you bring the best out of your guests

[@rhutchins88]

Some of the best content in the KZbin golf space. Love all these in depth interview. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@colinwallace2085]

Iona, a simply wonderful video and interview. You can hear the emotion in Sam's voice, and he gives a lot of great advice if people listen. Lovely work young lady❤❤❤

[@mpfencing]

What a beautiful video, I grew up watching Sam on the television in the 80’s ,with my dad. I’d forgotten what a legend he was, it was lovely to watch him, so full of emotion. Well done Iona, great interview.

[@marksims3904]

Sam Torrance. The man that made me scream like a banshee at the back of the eighteenth green at The Belfry in 1985. Europe had won the RYDER CUP for the first time since 1957 and I as a seventeen year old passionate golfer and also passionate golf historian knew how much this meant to golf in Europe. I can still see him raising his arms in the shadows as the ball rolls in, wonderful. Thank you Iona, that was majestic..

[@Richie-boy292]

Just when you think it can’t get any bigger then you pull this out the bag. A true gentleman of the sport and mankind. Keep up the great work Iona. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@newwy5981]

I love all your content, but These interview style videos are incredible! The unheard stories and history shows how amazing these people really were/are, always so humble and genuine

[@fr4nk70]

Smashing interview and even a wee bounce game with one of Scotland’s golfing legends, Iona. Sam Torrance, an absolute gentleman.

[@jasonwatterson5739]

Always loved watching and listening to Sam Torrance, this video only adds to that. Thank you Iona and Sam for a brilliant warm walk through the golf I grew up with. ❤

[@johnwilson6779]

Your videos are always spellbinding Iona,but this has to be the best yet.

[@AlexanderWalker-k1t]

Well Iona what an absolute pleasure that must have been racking Sams brains two really proud Scots together talking about their love of the game ❤. Sam always wore his heart out his sleeve !!! Still remember the tears after he won his Ryder Cup!!!!

[@TB-nh4dg]

Absolutely captivating conversation full of warmth and respect with a simmering of emotion. Wonderful interview Iona.

[@gavintaylor5099]

Fantastic video. Probably the best one yet Iona. Sam is a true legend of the game and a real Gentleman. Loved his stories and lessons on life. Keep up the amazing work and content that you bring us.

[@sjcassells3580]

What a wonderful video to share with us Iona. Sam is a true legend of the game and it was a privilege to hear his story today. I felt you interviewed him with such respect but were able to get amazing stories from him and insights into his personality. A wonderful way to spend my Friday evening and thanks to you Iona and all the team behind this amazing channel. Is it just me or does anyone else want to see a second video on more of your match with him? It looked like some good golf was on show.

[@gadjet6794]

Great career, great golfer, great story teller. One of life’s good guys🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@samclose7547]

What a great man. A man of few but great words. Sausage time said it all!

[@paultaylor2997]

Iona . . . . Your interviewing technique, natural ability, is absolutely compelling . . . . . Sam is an absolute "Ledge" , he is at ease and you are taking every word in . . . . . What great words from the big man "don't lie" . . . .. . Excellent vid . . .

[@GerLanigan]

Thank you Iona. A wonderful production. Two extraordinary Scots. You have a real gift in bringing the best out in your interviewees . Can’t wait for the next instalment.

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

The production of this along with true emotive discussion is off the charts, Iona you and your team have taken things to a new level.

[@Rawkers55]

Loved big Sam, his winning putt in the 1985 Ryder Cup and his expletive afterwards when interviewed by Clive Clark. A great 2002 Ryder Cup captain.

[@mauricecaley7923]

I’ve just watched the best interview in your series, what a fantastic human being and ambassador for golf Sam Torrance. Thank you Iona 👏👏😇🏌🏽‍♂️⛳️

[@jackcalder2937]

My favourite memory of Sam- I was on a two week trip caddying for a friend of mine who was playing in the English open at the Belfry and then going on to try and qualify for the Open in Troon, 1982. During the first couple of days at the Belfry we were staying in a b&b near Birmingham somewhere and went to a nightclub in the city. Being 18 and 20 we had had a few beers and at about maybe midnight-ish, who comes bursting through the doors but Sam!! Shirt undone to the naval, hairy chest and gold medallion looking like a 4th Bee Gee!! He was a player off the course in those days!!

[@1966Dobbo]

It's almost feels like the camera doesn't exist and you're eves dropping on a private conversation, so relaxed, two genuine people who you'd love to spend time with...I love the fact Sam still plays 2 to 3 times a week...what a game golf is!

[@andrewbreckenridge8854]

Everything beautiful about the game and everything beautiful about life - wrapped up in a 45 minute interview. Best one yet Iona ❤

[@mikelhenaff110]

This man is a true treasure. What great tips to live life. I really enjoyed this interview and conversation.

[@kenstephen6534]

Super Sam, followed you as a youngster and admired you then as a player - and continued my admiration of you as a commentator. As a Scot - well done Loon!! Iona - followed you for so long now - what a great interview......well done too Lass...

[@patrickflynn8195]

Another brilliant interview! Best content out there. I appreciate the chance to learn more about Sam. A great player and gentleman. Cheers from Charleston!

[@dennism5731]

Why this pair aren’t the main commentary team on major golf events is beyond me.

[@SearchforScratch]

That was a privilege to watch Iona. Epic chat with a legend and a gent at my favourite inland course in the UK. 🙌🙌🙌

[@grahamdavies9735]

Absolute quality as usual Iona. Great interview with the delightful Sam, heart warming insight to the man as well as the chance to watch your silky swing again.

[@jimtennant4798]

What a lovely, lovely video. Such a depth of character and experience and genuinely Down to earth, warm Man

[@irufushi5998]

emotional hearing him talking about not being able to talk to Seve on the phone. What a fantastic episode that was!