Like everyone who knew him European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has been saddened by the news of the passing of Scottish golf coach legend Bob Torrance.

Torrance passed away Friday after a some seven month fight with lung cancer.

Torrance coached many people including McGinley, who will lead his European Team into competition next September at Gleneagles.

However McGinley has paid special tribute to the man who coached him for some 20-years.

Stuart Adam’s wonderful photo of Bob Torrance taken during the staging of the 2012 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)

“This is an incredibly sad day as we have lost one of life’s, as well as one of golf’s, really true characters and my thoughts are obviously with June and Sam at this difficult time,” said McGinley.

“I feel blessed to have known Bob for many years and to have had him as my coach since 1992. Not only was he a world class golf coach, a fact recognised right across the game, but he was also one of my very favourite people in life. I will dearly miss his teaching and his wit.

“I feel very fortunate that I got the chance to say goodbye to him in person last week when I drove down to his home at Largs during the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen.

“Despite his obvious ill health, he still retained his fantastic sense of humour and love of golf and the memory of that afternoon will stay with me.”

McGinley had spoken at Royal Aberdeen of his pleasure in visiting Bob and also indicating how Bob got such a shock to see McGinley’s caddy Ian ‘Edinburgh Jimmy’ Rae sitting in his chair.

Bob Torrance joins in the celebration after his son Sam led Europe to victory in the 2002 Ryder Cup. (Photo – Getty Images)

Scotland’s Marc Warren learned the news of his death soon after completing his second round at the Open Championship at Hoylake.

The 33-year-old paid tribute, saying: “It is a sad day for golf, a legend has passed away. It is a sad day for everyone involved.

“He changed my career massively. I still to this day – and will for the rest of my career – use his teaching and his words of wisdom, the great stories that he had.

“He has been a massive influence on my life and my career and I can’t thank him enough.”

Warren credits Torrance for reviving his game and enabling him to compete at a high level.

“He had a massive influence in my career and I might not be playing at this level if it was not for him,” added Warren.

“What they now understand about ball flight, Bob was teaching years ago. I cannot speak highly enough of him. He gave you absolutely everything he had to make you the best player you could possibly be. I will forever be in his debt for that.”

Ian Poulter also paid respect, tweeting: “Really sad news Bob Torrance just passed away. An amazing man who coached so many great players. He will be missed. Bob #RIP.”

And www.golfbytourmiss.com is especially thinking of our dear friend and colleague Jim Black who know Bob so well, and for some many years, and who was naturally visibly upset at Royal Liverpool in hearing the news of Bob’s passing