Tributes to former Hainault Forest pro Eddie Frost

Tributes have been paid to Eddie Frost – the former long-serving PGA Professional at Hainault Forest Golf Club.

The 89 year old, who died on January 2 after a short illness, was described as a consummate professional by former PGA captain Alan Walker while his family and friends also shared fond memories.

** Eddie Frost right, with grandson Toby, daughter Jeannie and wife Hazel far left.

Eddie was actually born on the course in one of the cottages in 1927 where his father was the resident cub professional.

Golf was clearly in his blood and in 1952 Eddie followed in his father’s footsteps when he took over as head professional.

“Hainault Golf Courses (36 hole public course) were probably the busiest courses in the UK with over 100,000 rounds of golf played each year in the 60's and 70's,” said Walker.

“Eddie was a highly successful professional but was the most modest, courteous and mild man you would ever meet.

“He had a charming disposition that was respected by all who knew him. Apart from playing golf or at work, he would always wear a collar and tie with his club jumper - always smartly dressed, always doing and saying the right things, always behaving impeccably.

“Eddie Frost is one of a now dwindling generation of club professionals who believed it was their solemn duty to serve their club and in some nice way be part of the background rather than the foreground.

“He was a steady player and enjoyed playing his golf with friends once or twice a week most times on surrounding courses because Hainault was such a busy 36 holes of golf he rarely got out to play there.

“He loved coaching and again his soft natured way made him a popular instructor. Eddie must have introduced hundreds and hundreds or new people into golf.”

Eddie retired in 1992 but still kept his hand in working a few days a week in a coaching capacity with Walker at Warren Park Golf Centre.

“I was so pleased to welcome him,” added Walker. “He was a joy to be around and was always part of the fun that we had there.

“He and his wife Hazel were still pillars of the community until his passing, they were a lovely committed couple who both lived for each other and for golf.

“Eddie's passing is a sadness on so many levels the main one being that we have lost a consummate PGA Professional that all PGA Members should aspire to be like.”

Among others paying tribute to Eddie was Peter White, 74, from Hornchurch.

He told the Ilford Recorder that Eddie was responsible for improving the game of thousands of local golfers.

“Originally it was a public course owned by the council, it was very very, busy and loads of people knew it,” said Peter. “Loads of people learnt from him and a lot of people would go back to him from private clubs when they wanted a lesson.

“He was the first entry point to thousands of people and they would still go back and see him.

“He could see what you’re doing straight away, he could pick your faults up in a couple minutes, his attitude was so soft and people felt relaxed around him.

“He was such a gentle man I don’t know anyone that hasn’t had a good word about him. I’ve lost a good friend, an extremely good friend, my wife and I are sad he’s passed.”

Jeannie Coles, Eddie’s daughter, told the same newspaper, that her father loved nothing more than teaching people the sport he loved and added he was a great parent who always looked out for his family.

“Golf was his whole life and the most important thing was teaching, he enjoyed it so much seeing people come to him as a beginner and watching them blossom, he gave his last lesson in October.

“He was a very good man, a very gentle man and very quiet, he had old fashioned ethics. He was a quiet lifter in the background, you always knew he was there watching your back.”

Dave Cope, Hainault Forest Golf Club secretary, also paid tribute to Eddie on behalf of the club.

“He was a member for us for many years, he was our pro and an honorary member for the last 25 years and he will be missed by everyone at Hainault Forest Golf Club.”