Former Leigh pro dies at 80

Cliff Evans, who was PGA Professional at Leigh for 23 years before standing down to pursue a job in financial services, died on Tuesday following a long illness at the age of 80.

Llandudno-born, he took up golf as a youngster, when he also worked as a caddie, and was no doubt inspired to make a career of playing when he won the North Wales Boys' Championship at the age of 14.

He became an assistant at his local club Maesdu in 1950, resuming the role on completing his national service two years later, then from 1954-58 moved to North Middlesex. He spent seven years as Conwy professional prior to his appointment at Leigh.

Former Blackpool Park professional Brian Purdie recalled: “Cliff was a lovely bloke who also served as the first Lancashire PGA secretary.”

A keen mason, Evans leaves a wife, Rita, with whom he would have celebrated his 59th wedding anniversary yesterday, and sons Marcus and Redvers.

The funeral is at Leigh Crematorium next Thursday, November 21, at 1.45pm.