Farewell, golf legend Harold
TRIBUTES have flooded in for golfing legend Harold Swash, who died at Southport Hospital on December 8, aged 83.
Famous golfers from around the world have flocked to social media to pay tribute to “Britain’s Putting Doctor”.
Northern Irish golfer and 2011 Open champion Darren Clarke wrote: “Sad news of Harold Swash passing away. He coached me for a long time always with a smile of his face... wonderful man. RIP.”
The 2018 Ryder Cup captain, Thomas Bjorn, wrote: “Great coach and true gentleman. So many fond memories, rest well my friend.”
And Niall Gorey wrote: “RIP Harold Swash, was a privilege to have spent time with him, that man fully taught me how to putt.”
Harold’s coaching legacy lives on as he trained Southport golfer Phil Kenyon to take over from him and teach his methods.
Phil said: “(When Harold died) golf lost a great ambassador, putting lost a pioneer. I lost a mentor.”
Earlier this year, new Open Champion Henrik Stenson gave Phil a flag from the event with a signed personal message to Harold, thanking him for all his help.
Phil had the flag framed, but sadly Harold died the day before it was ready to collect.
Harold leaves behind his wife Alma – the couple were married for 63 years.
His daughter, Heather, said: “He was a proud, devoted dad to myself lf andnd my brother, Duncan; father-in-law to Peter and Julie; grandfather to Andrew, Iain, Emma, Michael and Matthew and beloved great-grandad to Abbie and Lewis. “He will be truly missed.” Harold’s granddaughter, Emma, tweeted: “To many people, Harold Swash was a ‘putting legend’, but to me he was my grandad – and for that I will be eternally grateful.”
A private cremation service, followed by a celebration of Harold’s life, will take place at St Phillip’s church on Hampton Road next Wednesday, December 28 at 2pm. All are welcome.
Alma has requested that people wear cheerful colours to reflect his colourful life.
Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to Queenscourt Hospice via Gibbs Funeral Directors.