By Fred Altvater
The golf world lost a giant last month when Sean Connery passed at the age of 90. He had struggled with health issues in his last years, but will always be remembered by golfers as 007 in a golf match with Goldfinger.
Sean Connery portrayed Ian Fleming’s James Bond in seven movies and for most, he is the best and only Bond that got it right.
Connery led a remarkable life. Born in Scotland, he grew up during the Great Depression and worked a variety of jobs, milkman, coffin polisher, bricklayer, lifeguard, served in the Queen’s Navy, 1989 Sexiest Man Alive, named Sexiest Man of the Century, as well as, consummate golfer. Only a few words uttered in his deep Scottish accent and everyone knew instantly who was speaking.
Being from the ‘Home of Golf,’ it was preordained that he would become a golfer. When Goldfinger was filmed in 1964, golf was in its infancy in America. Arnold Palmer was lighting up television screens and making new golf fans every week. Seeing golf on the big screen, in a big budget James Bond movie, grew the game exponentially.
From that acting experience, Connery gained an appreciation for golf and was a devoted golfer the rest of his life. 
In a post to his Facebook page, Jack Nicklaus remembered his longtime friend as a founding member of Muirfield Village and was thankful for Connery’s coaching tips to better present himself, when on camera and handling public appearances.
Another longtime golf and business friend, Alan Fadel told us,
“Sean loved golf, he thrived on the competition. He was proud of his work with The R&A and the medals he earned in tournament action. He became close friends with many of his golfing companions, as they shared a common bond and ‘Love of the Game.’ He will be missed.”
In addition, he was one of the best actors of his time, was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth and voted the Greatest Living Scotsman.
He made the most of whatever shot life gave him and lived a ‘Life Well Played.’
