Newent’s Tom Brown passes away

Scotsman Tom Brown, who built and ran his own golf course in Gloucestershire, has died at the age of 66 after a short illness.

Tom, who was born in Dunfermline, was first introduced to golf by his father and soon decided to pursue a career in the sport.

On turning 17, Brown left Dunfermline to become third assistant to Alex King at Surrey’s Richmond Golf Club, where his salary was £4 per week and his digs were four guineas!

He qualified as a PGA Professional in 1973, a year after taking on a new role at Roehampton in London under the stewardship of Sid Scott. 

Tom later moved abroad to become a teaching professional at Luxembourg Golf Club and, on returning to Scotland, took on similar roles at two clubs in Glasgow - Dullatur and later Palacerigg.

He then headed south Gloucestershire to become head professional at Stinchcombe Hill in Dursley.

Tom's dream of owning his own golf club was realised in 1993 when he bought a small farm near Newent in the Forest of Dean.

A year later he turned it into a nine-hole pay and play course.

In 1998 a bed and breakfast accommodation was built in the old farmyard and the business is now being run by his wife Susan, son Ian, who is also a PGA Professional, and daughter Margaret.

Brown passed away peacefully at his family home on January 21.