During 2001 John produced some of his best golf since turning 50 on his way to finishing the season in 35th place on the European Senior Tour Order of Merit. The former club professional at Cowglen, near Glasgow, John had a total of five top ten finishes on the Seniors Tour, with his best performances coming at the Lawrence Batley tournament where he finished tied for fifth and the STC Bovis Lend Lease European Invitational where he was tied for sixth. John took up golf after being inspired by watching Arnold Palmer as he marched to victory at the 1962 Open Championship at Troon. He competed for Scotland at amateur level and then competed on The European Tour for five years before spending 21 years as the club profesisonal at Cowglen. John is deeply interested in golf memorabilia and has a fine collection at his home. During 2001, John won the prestigious PGA Senior Club Professional title for the first time, succeeding Jim Rhodes as the champion.