Malcolm Cole, who has passed away at the age of 91, was a PGA Member for 70 years who served Hartlepool Golf Club for more than half that time.
He began his career as an assistant at Woodsome Hall Golf Club, Huddersfield, before following up with a similar role at Sand Moor Golf Club, Leeds.
Away from the pro shop, Malcolm demonstrated his prowess out on the course by becoming one of the leading players in Yorkshire in winning several tournaments for assistants as well as the Donald Hastings Trophy, an event run jointly by Sand Moor and Moortown Golf Clubs.
He also excelled on a more prestigious stage, playing in the Open Championships at St. Andrews in 1960, the year before he was appointed head professional at Hartlepool Golf Club, and Royal Troon in 1964.
Malcolm remained at Hartlepool for 40 years, during which time he became highly regarded as a coach. In addition to coaching Durham County senior and junior teams as well as many county champions, he looked after Graham Storm when the future DP World Tour player won the 1999 Amateur Championship. Closer to home, he was a key figure in his son Christopher becoming a PGA Professional. Having worked as an assistant to his father at Hartlepool, Christopher has now been the head pro at Beamish Golf Club, County Durham, for almost 38 years.
Despite helping all standards of golfers improve their skills, Malcolm continued to enjoy success as a player. He played on the European Seniors Tour when it was formed and won the Northumberland Durham Alliance and Teesside Alliance Championships at Hartlepool.
Three years prior to his retirement, Malcolm and his amateur partner Douglas Bell won the 1998 PGA Super 60’s Championship at Rudding Park, Harrogate.
Malcolm, who was made Honorary Member, is survived by Hilary, his wife, and sons Timothy and Christopher. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them and his other family members on their loss.
