Murray Burgess (1940 – 2024)

Murray Burgess, a proud Scotsman who served Pannal Golf Club, Harrogate, for a quarter of a century and was a PGA member for more than 60 years has passed away at the age of 84.

Born in Glasgow, Murray began his golfing career at the age of 15 as an assistant at Haggs Castle in the city and, having been elected to PGA Membership in 1962, headed east to work at Dalmahoy Golf Club, Edinburgh.

Murray’s first appointment as a head professional followed in 1965 at Drumpellier Golf Club, Coatbridge, eight miles east of his home city.

He served the club for almost a decade before moving to England and the head pro’s role at Pannal. Highly respected as a traditional club professional whose fortes were coaching, club fitting and running the shop, Murray spent the rest of his career at Pannal before retiring in 2000.

He was made a PGA Honorary Member on his 80th birthday in 2020 and continued to play the game following his retirement until Alzheimer’s took its toll.

Murray, who was pre-deceased by his wife in 2006 and son Gary in 2015, was laid to rest with the three golf balls with which he achieved holes-in-one and his favourite wedge. He is survived by Wendy, his daughter, and grandson Elijah. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them on their loss.