Lionel Platts (1934 - 2021)
24/05/2021
The PGA is saddened to report that Lionel Platts, an Honorary Member and Ryder Cup player, has passed away at the age of 86.
Lionel was a Member for almost 70 years and a model example of a PGA Professional from a bygone era who combined the roles of club pro with playing on tour – and doing so with a high degree of success.
It’s a scenario confirmed by the composition of the 10-strong Great Britain and Ireland Ryder Cup team in 1965: Lionel and five others plus Harry Weetman, the captain, were former PGA Assistants’ Championship winners.
Lionel had won the PGA Assistants’ Championship at Hartsbourne four years prior to making his solitary appearance in the biennial contest at Royal Birkdale, the venue where three months earlier he had finished tied 12th in the Open Championship.
He made the cut at the US Masters in the following year and two of his five tournament victories were achieved at the start of the next decade. He won the Portuguese Open in 1971 and the Uniroyal £2,000 72-hole strokeplay tournament a year later.
Lionel went on to compete on the European Seniors Tour and served Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, near Chelmsford, Essex, as head professional from 1975 until 1993.
He was granted Honorary PGA membership the following year and continued to play in Association events well into his 70s, most recently in 2014 when he competed in the PGA Super 60s Championship at Thorpeness.
Lionel is survived by Diana, his partner, daughter Julie, and sons Bobby and Chris. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them on their loss.
- Categories:
- The PGA
