Barry Davies, who has passed away at the age of 91, was an Honorary Member who proved as adept at retailing golf clubs as he was in swinging them in competition with the game’s elite.
Born in Salford, Lancashire, Barry looked set for a career as a draughtsman following his stint of National Service with the RAF. However, an increasing number of high-profile wins as an amateur and love of the game, prompted him to turn professional and apply for PGA membership.
That was forthcoming in 1958, and Barry served Rothley Park Golf Club, Leicestershire, for the following six years.
Two of the final three years of his spell there coincided with him qualifying to play in the Open Championship in successive seasons – at Royal Troon in 1962 and then Royal Lytham & St Annes.
He qualified again in 1965 and delivered his best round to date, a two-under-par negotiation of Royal Birkdale. His hopes of playing in the final two rounds, however, had been ruined on day one and he missed the cut by two shots.
Barry had left Rothley Park in the previous year and headed south to Surrey where he would spend the rest of his career. He worked at Kingswood Golf Club for six years before moving to Gatton Manor, a club near Dorking that had opened in the late 1960s.
He remained there until 1972 when he took the bold step of becoming what is understood to be the first professional to open an independent high street golf shop. That was in Croydon and two more followed, in nearby Ewell and Worthing on the Sussex coast.
Barry eventually sold two of the trio but retained the unit in Croydon when he was appointed head professional at Reigate Heath Golf Club in 1979. He was there for 16 years and in addition to coaching and running the pro shop, continued his liking for competition at the highest possible level by playing on the newly founded European Senior Tour.
Having retired in 1995, Barry continued to organise pro-ams in the south of England for SPARKS that, featuring showbusiness and sporting celebrities, raised money to fund pioneering children’s medical research.
In addition, Barry became a popular and well-respected member of Reigate Heath Golf Club and, as well as coaching players of all ages, played regularly until shortly before his passing.
Barry is survived by Lindsey, his wife of 47 years, and children from his first marriage, Joseph and Helen. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them on their loss.
