In America he would be known as an honoree. And even if we don't have a word on this side of the Atlantic to describe what Mullingar GC are doing for Tom Craddock this year, the sentiments behind their decision are clear.

One of its most loyal supporters is to be specially honoured when the Friends First Mullingar Scratch Trophy is staged on August 2nd and 3rd. Indeed Craddock was present last Thursday when the official announcement was made at a function in the midland club.

Typically modest in acknowledging the gesture, Craddock described it as "one of the nicest things that has happened to me in golf." It takes the form of a special presentation which will be made to the Malahide player during the weekend of the tournament.

This represents a new approach by the organising committee who will be conferring the same honour on other distinguished Scratch Trophy participants in future years. But by way of ensuring that the honour will not be devalued, it is to be conferred only when considered appropriate and not on an annual basis.

Craddock, who was among the participants in the inaugural Scratch Trophy won by Joe Carr in 1962, was himself victorious the following year. And since then, he continued to compete, even when it was difficult to do so because of back problems.

His rivalry with Carr was legendary and of their eight matchplay clashes, Craddock won six. Their first meeting was at Royal Dublin on May 8th, 1959 when they opposed each other at number one in the Leinster final of the Senior Cup between Sutton and Malahide.

Remarkably, more than 3,000 spectators were present as Craddock drove out of bounds at the long 11th to go four down. But he responded by covering the next seven holes in three under fours, winning six of them including the short 12th, where he sank a 10footer for a birdie.