Stephen Gough, an in-demand and accomplished coach who was a key figure in the establishment of Bridgend Golf Complex in south Wales, has passed away at the age of 64 following a recurring illness.
Born in the West Midlands, Stephen grew up nursing three sporting passions – football, cricket, and golf. He had trials with Wolves but, in terms of a career, golf won.
His interest in the game had been encouraged by his father, Joseph, who invariably got up early to ensure his son was able to get a weekend tee time at Brandhall Golf Club near Birmingham.
Once there, Stephen often played with his friend and fellow junior member Les Burlison.
“We were at Brierley Hill Grammar School together and were best mates,” recalled Burlison, who also became a PGA Professional and was head pro at Oxley Park Golf Club, Wolverhampton, for more than 25 years.
“Steve was very sporty and a good footballer, but he was even better at golf and played off scratch. We both represented Worcestershire and Steve had a lot of success as an amateur, especially winning the West Midlands Amateur Championship at Sandwell Park.
“Eventually we both joined Enville which is where Steve began his professional career.”
Prior to that Stephen had opened a sports shop with his father in Kingswinford near Dudley but the lure of professional golf became irresistible and, having turned pro in 1982, he learned his trade under the watchful eye of Ron Hinton at Enville.
He was elected to PGA Membership three years later and shortly afterwards began work, primarily as a coach, at Radyr Golf Club in Cardiff. While there he met and married Nia, a BBC employee in Cardiff, and embarked on family life with the arrival of Erin, the couple’s daughter.
Stephen served Radyr for a dozen years before heading west in 1997 to take up a coaching role at Bridgend Golf Complex, a newly founded facility boasting a driving range and nine-hole course.
He was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2017 but returned to work after treatment and celebrated 25 years at Bridgend in 2022 before his illness returned earlier this year.
Stephen is survived by Nia and Erin and the PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them, his other family members and, due to the respect in which he was held, his many friends.
*Stephen’s funeral service will be held at Coychurch Crematorium, Simonston Road,
Bridgend, CF35 6AB, on Wednesday December 20th at 15:45. Family flowers only, but if desired, memorial donations in lieu to The Professional Golfers' Association Benevolent Fund - https://www.justgiving.com/pga-assn
Cynhelir gwasanaeth angladdol yn amlosgfa Llangrallo ar ddydd Mercher yr 20fed Rhagfyr am 15:45. Blodau'r teulu yn unig ond os dymunir derbynnir rhoddion er cof i:
The Professional Golfers' Association Benevolent Fund - https://www.justgiving.com/pga-assn. Colled enfawr ¡'w deulu a'i ffrindiau oll.
