Don Jones dies aged 55

Within hours of reporting the sudden death of Mark Trippett, head professional at Sheffield club Beauchief, we have been informed of the passing of  Don Jones, 55, who latterly coached at Ingleby Barwick Golf Academy in Cleveland.

Cardiff-born Jones played as an amateur at his local club Whitchurch  before taking up his first professional appointment at Caerphilly.

He won several Welsh titles  and in his younger days his friend Phillip Price, the Ryder Cup player, caddied for him.

Jones also played regularly with leading professionals of his generation including Ian Woosnam  and when he moved to Middlesbrough Golf Club he continued to enjoy competing with the North East/North West PGA.

After 22 years he left Middlesbrough and worked briefly at Yarm Driving Range before arriving at Ingleby Barwick. His reputation as a coach was held in high esteem and he also taught the Teesside and Yorkshire Union both boys and girls.

Jones, who leaves a wife Heather whom he married in 1991, had undergone plastic surgery in 2011 on his back after contracting a flesh eating disease.

Tragically, the day before he died, he appeared to be regaining his strength and after practising his swing in the garden told his wife was he was pleased it was getting back into shape.

The funeral is on July 11 at 11am St Bede Chapel, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS5 7HD.