World of golf mourns Clare Lipscombe

The world of golf is mourning Clare Lipscombe, a much-loved and hugely respected PGA Member following her untimely passing at the age of 43.

Clare passed away in the Czech Republic after medical staff were unable to reverse the catastrophic effects of a cardiac arrest.

She was in the country working at a European Challenge Tour event, her latest role in a career that demonstrated the diversity of paths a PGA Professional can tread following qualification as a Member.

Clare, a former Ladies European Tour member, joined The PGA in 2008 and was elected to Membership in 2015, a year after starting work with the European Tour.

Initially she was PA to David Garland and John Paramor as well as being a tournament coordinator. Then in 2020 she began working in the field, taking on the responsibilities of tournament office manager and recorder at events across all three of the European Tour circuits. 

The European Tour responded to Clare’s passing by flying the flags at its tournaments in Scotland and France at half-mast and black ribbons were made available for all players, caddies and staff to pay their respects.

In an email to staff relating the sad news, chief executive Keith Pelley wrote: “It is true to say that some people in life simply radiate joy and happiness – and that to me was Clare.

“Every time I saw her in the office here at Wentworth or at one of our tournaments, she had a smile on her face and would greet me with a hello and a little chuckle. It is devastating to think none of us will enjoy that welcome again.”

Prior to joining the Tour, Clare had brief spells at Al Hamra Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates and Blue Mountain Golf Club, Berkshire, before being appointed golf events manager at Wentworth Club.

The role involved running the club’s corporate golf days, one of which was PGA South’s annual dinner.

Sam Smith, PGA South regional manager, recalled: Clare was always so helpful to us at The PGA, particularly when it came to organising our annual dinner.

“She also went out of her way to help any PGA Professional playing in a Tour event. Her radiant smile and ever-present cheerfulness will be remembered so fondly by us all.”

The pair often played golf, a game at which Clare excelled as an amateur. She won the English Ladies Stroke Play Championship in 1999; two years later, in tandem with PGA Professional Stuart Little, the pair won the prestigious Sunningdale Foursomes.

Clare followed up by turning professional in 2003 and was a Ladies European Tour member for seven years.

Becky Brewerton, a friend and fellow competitor, recalled: “I knew Clare mainly from amateur golf and also from playing out here on the LET.

"I used to take the mickey out of her for being a posh girl, because she could pronounce all her words properly and I couldn’t.

"She was a really bubbly character and fit as a fiddle; in much better shape than the rest of us. I’m so sad for her family and all her friends, they will be devastated.”

WPGA members also paid tribute to Clare.

“She was a ray of sunshine, had the widest smile and a heart of gold,” said WPGA chair Tracy Loveys.

“Such a lovely lady with an infectious smile and zest for life,” said Suzanne Dickens.

Kelly Bridges added: “I have so many fond memories of 'Lippy' during the time we used to play all the big amateur events.

“Lots of laughter always and such a great player. My husband was working with her only last week.”

The PGA expresses heartfelt condolences to Clare’s parents, Sylvia and Roy, sister Katie, and also her legion of friends and colleagues.

*Thanks are due to the European Tour for their help with this article

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