DUMFRIES — Rab Smith, known as 'Mr Golden Darts,' died in May 2026. He was born in Moniaive in Dumfries and Galloway in 1948 and played for the Scotland national darts team from 1973 to 1982.

Smith captained the national team for five years. He won the Evo-Stik Golden Darts tournament in 1977, which led to his nickname. The prize for winning the 1977 tournament included an 18-carat gold dart set and a payment of £1,000.

Smith was ranked fourth in the world darts rankings in early 1978. He transitioned to professional darts during 1977. Smith also appeared in the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London.

In 1982, Smith ended his professional darts career. He explained his decision, stating, "The kids were young and I was never at home; sometimes being away six days a week." He added, "I didn't want to lose my family life so I gave up."

Wullie Burns, a darts supporter, recalled first meeting Smith when Burns was approximately 18 years old. Burns said Smith was a top player in Scottish darts before others like Jocky Wilson became prominent. Burns also stated, "Rab was the main man."

Burns further noted that there was no better player in Scotland at that time, and perhaps only two or three better worldwide. "He was the best," Burns said. Burns mentioned that Smith competed against players such as John Lowe, Eric Bristow, Leighton Rees, and Alan Evans during his career. He described Smith as a "gentleman" who was quiet and reserved.

Davie Hanson, a representative of Scottish Darts Exhibitions, also spoke about Smith's abilities. Hanson said Smith had natural ability, noting, "You can practice all day, every day for 10 hours, it doesn't mean you're going to be world champion." Hanson observed that Smith was part of an era with players like Eric Bristow, John Lowe, and Cliff Lazarenko, and that Smith knew and competed against them.

Before becoming a professional darts player, Smith worked in forestry. He attended Wallace Hall Academy in Thornhill.