Ethel Jack
University administrator and Golfer
3 January 1939 - 23 May 2012
Ethel Jack was born in Edinburgh on January 3, 1939, the younger daughter of George and Ethel Philp of Portobello. After completing her education at St Margaret’s School, she started working for the Institute of Chartered Accountants before moving on to Edinburgh University as an administrative assistant.
Ethel also made a great impression as a golfer and golf administrator.
When Portobello’s nine-hole course re-opened after the Second World War, all the young boys in seven-year-old Ethel’s circle of friends started to play golf. Realising that she would be left alone she decided to become a golfer too.
Not being able to join her friends at the male enclave of Duddingston, she characteristically solved the situation and “got on her bike” to join Prestonfield on the other side of Holyrood Park.
Her bond with Prestonfield was to continue all her days. She was ladies’ club champion 18 times, ladies’ club captain and, latterly, honorary vice-president, still taking a regular interest in the club long after she had left Edinburgh for East Lothian.
She played in her first British girl’s championship at Woodhall Spa in 1953, and first played for Scotland in 1955 when she was picked for a girls’ Home International match at Beaconsfield.
She had a lot of success in the Midlothian County Team, winning the county championship five times between 1959 and 1990. She was captain of numerous teams and clubs, including Prestonfield, Longniddry, Gullane Ladies’, Midlothian County and Scottish Vets.
As a golf administrator Ethel also excelled, becoming president of the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association from 2007 to 2010.
In 1967, Ethel married Philip Jack at St Philip’s Church, Joppa. Sadly Philip’s latter years were spent in a wheelchair, under the devoted care of Ethel, who did practically everything for him while still working and golfing.
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