David Hamilton, former press officer with the English Golf Union and latterly England Golf, passed away at his home in Essex on Monday at the age of 83.
David had been ill for some time and died from pneumonia shortly after coming out of hospital over the weekend.
David worked tirelessly to champion amateur golf and report on England Golf’s championships between 2001 and his retirement soon after the merger of the English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association in 2012.
During a long and successful career in journalism David also worked for publications such as Golf Weekly and Golf Illustrated. A member of the Press Golfing Society, he served as its secretary from 1986-90 and captain in 1992, and won a number of its trophies over the years.
He joined the Association of Golf Writers in 1986 and was honoured with life membership in 2008. He was served as the Association’s golf captain and worked closely for many years with Bob Davies in helping organise the AGWs annual dinner during Open Championship week.
England Golf’s director of championships, James Crampton, was among many to pay to tribute to the man and his work.
“It’s very sad to hear of Dave’s passing,” said James. “When I started with England Golf in 2001, Dave, as press officer, was an important member of the small team working on championships. He was a great guy to be around. He helped promote the amateur game in England through his reporting of our championships and made many friends along the way.
“His rapport with the players – many of whom went on to bigger things in the professional ranks – came through in his writing, which brought the amateur game to life for so many readers around the country. We shared many a laugh at events over the years and I will remember him fondly. My thoughts, and those of everyone at England Golf, are with his family and friends at this time.”
