Steve Sullivan has retired as the greenkeeper at Craigie Hill Golf Club after an astonishing 50 years working at the Perth venue. 

Sullivan joined the golf club as a greenkeeper after leaving school in 1976.

Members of the club marked his retirement by presenting him with gifts which included a season ticket for his beloved St Johnstone’s return to the Scottish Premiership next season. 

He was thrilled to have the ticket presented by Perth cup winning heroes Stevie May, Liam Craig and Liam Gordon. 

The “Be the Best” golf day at The Hill, which marked the greenkeeper’s swansong, was organised by the football academy operated by Motherwell defender and ex-Saints skipper Liam Gordon and Perth goalkeeper Ross Sinclair. 

He was also given honorary life membership of the golf club and vouchers to golf with son Tony at various courses in Scotland. 

Club captain Graeme Lundberg said: “It is certainly the end of an era. 

“Steve has been an absolute stalwart at Craigie Hill for as long as most of us can remember and he has always ensured our greens have enjoyed a reputation for being as good as any in the area, no matter what the weather throws at us. 

“It has been a real labour of love and the club is grateful for his professionalism and commitment to Craigie Hill down the decades.  

“He is going to be a hard act to follow but it’s good to know we will now be seeing Steve and Tony playing regularly at The Hill. Steve fully deserves the accolade as an honorary life member.”