Former PGA (North) chairman McEwan passes away

Phil Archer paid tribute to his former boss and mentor Paul McEwan who died suddenly last month.

The 61-year-old, who succeeded Derrick Cooper as Birchwood professional before returning to his original career as a school teacher 10 years ago, was a former PGA North Region chairman and captain.

He regained his amateur status and played regularly at High Legh Park near Knutsford.

Challenge Tour player Archer said: “He was my boss for about five years during the early 1990s and was instrumental in getting me though my PGA exams. I think I would have struggled without his help. He did a lot for me.”

McEwan was originally a teacher at Bridgewater High School in Stockton Heath and after leaving Birchwood taught at Cardinal Newman High School where he continued to work as a supply teacher following retirement.

Archer added: “I saw him recently when we had a chat over a coffee at High Legh and he was obviously enjoying playing there. He died soon after returning from the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale.”

McEwan had three children with his first wife Pippa. He was married to his second wife Christine for nearly four years.