On 8 June 1908 he also represented his homeland when he played for Scotland in an international match against England at Prestwick Golf Club.

Contemporaries record that Kay was "a veritable demon on the green and extremely adept at laying a stymie and therefore as might be guessed was a very fine match player.

[9][10][11] In 1895 Kay defeated the then Open Champion, Taylor, who had just retained his prestigious title on the Old Course at St Andrews.

A total of £23.8s.6d was raised by subscription and a tea and coffee service was presented to him at the club's annual general meeting.

Inquiries were made as to Kay's financial status and it was decided to award him a pension and elect him as an Honorary Member of the club.

[9][15] James Kay was himself a notable course designer; the Seaton Carew records show that he was charged with creating four additional holes which were opened on 4 August 1891.

[9] Shortly before his retirement Kay was helping his former assistant to chop up some old railway sleepers, for use as fuel in the clubhouse, when he got a wood splinter in his right thumb.

[16] His funeral was attended by fellow professionals, Seaton Carew members, and staff from the club acted as pall bearers.