John Easey was a PGA Member for close on 80 years and one of the country’s last true clubmakers.
Born in Hull, John’s first experience of golf was, like many of his peers, earning pocket money as a caddy. Then, having decided to pursue a career in the game, he was elected to PGA membership in 1948 and served Hessle Golf Club in the East Riding of Yorkshire from 1951-71.
While there, John, in tandem with Brian Allen, won the Northern section of the Martini Professional Foursomes in 1960. Other winners of the competition before it became the Martini International included three future PGA Captains, Peter Alliss, Dave Thomas and Bryon Hutchinson.
Despite being an accomplished player, John’s forte was coaching and encouraging youngsters to take up the game. Testament to that are a couple of social media posts referring to John’s time at Hessle.
“His contribution to junior golf at the old Hessle Golf Club was immense,” reads one post, “so many young golfers benefited from his encouragement and support.” Another echoes those sentiments: “I recall John extremely well from the 60s and early 70s, he was an excellent golf tutor.”
John followed suit when he left Hessle in 1971 to take over the pro shop at at Ayr Belleisle in Scotland, encouraging the young to play and earning a reputation as a skilled club maker.
“I bought my first golf clubs there (at Belleisle). Thank you for getting me into the sport,” posted another grateful client.
John used to fashion woods and irons in his small workshop and sell them in his adjacent shop at Belleisle. In addition, he was similarly accomplished as a traditional club pro, offering everything from club making and repairs to coaching and other golf related goods and services.
He also mentored many young assistant professionals, some of whom went on to enjoy long careers in the game, and supported golf tournaments, often donating prizes.
John was made an Honorary PGA Member in 1991, a year after retiring from his role at Belleisle, and continued playing the game until failing eyesight took its toll.
John, who was predeceased by Kathleen, his wife, and son Byron, is survived by Allison, his daughter, and Karen, his granddaughter. The PGA expresses heartfelt condolences to them and John’s other family members and friends on their loss.
*John’s funeral will be held on Wednesday September 16 at 1.15pm at Masonhill Crematorium, Ayr, KA6 6EN.