NEWS: Mid-Summer 2026

A Life’s Two Nines — Extending The Gentry Links Story

Dear Clients and Friends,

Building on the foundations of tracing the evolution of the ‘modern game’ through iconic Scottish art of 1832-1894, established in The Gentry Links Trilogy, published by Grant Books in 2023, Alastair  Loudon has extended his research and writing into the twentieth century with the publication of A Life’s Two Nines. 

The book tells the inside story of Alastair’s father, Niel Loudon, who became the External Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, and his years at the Club from 1962 to 1981. Through his life in golf, the book explores a significant formative period for the R&A following a Strategic  Review of 1960: the modernisation of The Open Championship and the extension of its role in the international governance of golf. 

The forthcoming publication of A Life’s Two Nines will become available in September. The book is available in two editions: a Standard Edition, priced at £30 plus postage and packing, and a separately numbered Foundation Edition, restricted to 100 copies and accompanied by a signed Collectors’ Certificate, priced at £100 plus postage and packing. 

The net proceeds from the publication will support the work of The R&A Foundation and its global  philanthropy programme to transform lives through golf. 

Registrations of interest in either edition can be made through gentrylinkseditions.com, where a Virtual Launch introduces the book. 

A Life's Two Nines continues the historical enquiry whose foundations lie in The Gentry Links Trilogy, published by Grant Books Ltd, adding a concluding chapter to The Gentry Links Series, independently published by GentryLinks Books Ltd.

With best regards,

D M Wilson, III

Publisher

Grant Books Ltd