The Zone Interactive Golf Magazine (UK) The Zone Issue 25 | Page 25

GOLFNEWS

In 1958 Thomas tied the Australian Peter Thomson for the Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, losing the 36-hole play-off, and in 1966 at Muirfield he finished tied second with Doug Sanders one stroke behind Jack Nicklaus. Thomas was recognised throughout his career for his long, straight driving – in 1967 during a practice round for the Open at Hoylake he hit a drive onto the green at the 420 yards second hole. After arthritis brought a premature end to his playing career, Thomas immersed himself in his other great passion of golf course architecture. Together with Peter Alliss, he designed The Belfry’s famous Brabazon Course on which The Ryder Cup was played in 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002. His CV also includes De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland where Great Britain & Ireland will play the United States in the PGA Cup in September, St Leon Rot, a European Tour Destination Course in German, where Europe will defend the Solheim Cup in 2015, the Roxburgh in Scotland, San Roque in Spain, Cannes Mougins, La Baule and Terre Blanche in France and courses in Africa, China, Japan, South America and Taiwan. PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones said: “I am very sad to learn of the passing of Dave Thomas. He was the proud Captain of The PGA in our Centenary Year of 2001 and everyone would agree he was a legend of the professional game. He was always great company and a kind and gentle man. “I feel a great privilege to have shared

many enjoyable times in his company when he would enthral me with great stories from his life in golf as we enjoyed a glass of red. He will be very sadly missed by me and all who knew him.” European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady, who presented Thomas with Honorary Life Membership of the European Tour earlier this year, also paid tribute. “Dave became a household name in the 1950s and 1960s when he helped to build the game in Britain and all over the world. “Wherever the Tour has travelled from Britain to the Continent to the Rest of the World we have played on courses designed by Dave and both as a player and an architect he leaves a lasting legacy to the game he truly loved.” Peter Alliss said: “The death of David Thomas saw the closing of a major chapter of my life, both on and off the golf course. “We met in the mid 1950s and remained friends until his passing. We played hundreds of rounds together in exhibition matches and tournaments throughout the length and breadth of the world. We travelled together. Dare I say, we knew each other’s innermost secrets. We designed over 50 courses together, though perhaps our partnership was rather forgotten over the latter years. “My thoughts are with Carol and boys at this sad time. He leaves behind a big footprint which I’ve always been delighted to walk alongside. “Rest easy old friend.”

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