Murray tribute to Ted Nichols

Andrew Murray (pictured) today led the tributes to Ted Nichols who died on Saturday during a holiday in Wales and a few weeks before his 70th birthday.

"He was managing director of Manchester-based Brother UK and instrumental in securing my sponsored with the company on the European Tour," recalled the Lymm-based professional. 

"I was with them for 17 years and I also got the firm involved in golf in the North West which led to the hugely popular PGA North Region Brother Winter Series which ran from the late 1980s and into the Millennium. I won the order of merit on several occasions.

"But I'll never forget a conversation we had just before the 1989 European Open. He gave me a dressing down and told me that if I didn't make the tour's top 100 that season he would not renew my contract. I went and won the tournament!"

It was his connection with the PGA that led Nichols to forging another link with the region, playing an important part in the Rock Junior Golf Festival at Matfen Hall, which he described as the highlight of his year.

"He was also a patron of the region and used to provide extra manpower when we required it," said PGA North secretary Graham Maly.

"He had many happy memories from those days and we'll all miss him."

Nichols played at Hazel Grove Golf Club for many years but later joined Woodside, a course near his home in Holmes Chapel.

He leaves a wife and two daughters. Funeral arrangements will be published when they are known.