BRITAIN’S greatest post-war amateur golfer Sir Michael Bonallack has died aged 88.
The icon, who became one of the sport’s most high-profile administrators, passed away yesterday in St.Andrews, Scotland.
The much-loved Bonallack won a host of accolades throughout his golfing career including the British Amateur Championship five times between 1951 and 1970.
His CV includes another five English Amateur Championship titles plus he was also a four-time English stroke-play champion.
He was twice the leading amateur at the British Open in 1968 and 1971 and he also represented GB&I in six World Amateur Team Golf Championships, the last three outings as captain, and he tied for the Individual title with American Vinny Giles in 1968.
Bonallack, who was a member of the Walker Cup team in nine consecutive years from 1957, captained the team to success in the event at St. Andrews in 1971.
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That was the first time that GB&I had lifted the trophy since 1938 and led to him declaring afterwards: “It does not get, cannot get, any better than that.”
Bonallack’s service to golf continued after his playing heyday and he was chairman of the European Tour from 1976 to 1982 and held the same role at the Golf Foundation between 1977-1982.
He was also president of the EGU in 1982 and was appointed Secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1983 as he succeeded Keith Mackenzie.
The icon received the USGA’s Bob Jones Award for sportsmanship in 1972 and the Donald Ross Award in 1991.
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In 2000, Bonallack was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
He was awarded an OBE in 1971 and then made a knight in 1998.
A host of tributes poured in after news of his passing spread online, with the Sunshine Tour tweeting: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Michael Bonallack, a man who lived his life with a passion and reverence for the great game of golf.
“He was a wonderful golfer, an excellent administrator and most importantly a true friend of the game.”
One fan wrote: “Another legend in our golf world has passed away this year… RIP Sir Michael Bonallack.
“Thank you for everything you have done for the world of golf.”
“The world of amateur golf will never see someone like Sir Michael Bonallack again,” wrote another before adding: “May he rest in peace.”
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