Gerry Bond

GERRY BOND, one of the North West's most charismatic Golf Professional sadly lost his battle with Cancer on New Year's day. In January 2012, Gerry was diagnosed with Oesophagus Cancer. After enduring months of gruelling chemotherapy he finally had a successful operation in June and made a 100% recovery. He continued to improve but by November his health unfortunately deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital in December and later to Intensive Care on Christmas Day. After further diagnosis it was confirmed he had developed Bone Cancer. On returning home on New Year's Eve he passed away peacefully on New Year's Day surrounded by his family. Gerry was a larger-than-life figure whose death at the age of 55 shocked those whose lives he'd touched. He was the second eldest of seven siblings with two of his five brothers and one sister, joining the professional ranks including Liam, who has played on the European Tour since 2005. Mark, his other brother was also a Professional for several years. Gerry had been a PGA Golf Professional for over 30 years. His first notable victory was in the Lancashire U21 Championship and he won several events in the region including the Wansbeck Classic at Bedlingtonshire. But one achievement he was particularly proud of was breaking the course record with a 65 in the Martini International at Yorkshire Club, Lindrick, a former Ryder Cup Venue. It had previously been set by five-time Open champion Peter Thomson, of Australia, and Shropshire legend Harry Weetman, and had stood for 19 years. Gerry was born in Southport and joined John Donoghure as a young Assistant Professional at Hesketh Golf Club and then teamed up with Peter Gill at Knole Park in Kent, before moving back to Lancashire to take his first fully-fledged Professional job at Blackburn Golf Club when he was still in his 20s. During his time at Blackburn he played on the PGA European Tour for 10 years. His last club job was Director of Golf at Hurlston Hall Golf Club in Scarisbrick, which followed running golfing outlets in Southport. Gerry a popular golfer, enjoyed many years in Southport organising Charity Golf Events, in the UK and abroad and working with local golf clubs in the area. Gerry's ebullience also shone through on a bigger stage, having worked with Seve Ballesteros and the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Stan Boardman to name a few. Former World Snooker Champion Dennis Taylor, was a good friend and Gerry taught his son Damian, now a Professional. In 2010 Gerry returned to Blackburn and took over as the new owner at Samlesbury Golf Driving Range & Teaching Academy at Samlesbury. He threw himself into full-time coaching, an aspect of his work which earned him praise from players from all walks of life including many professionals who went under his tutelage. He also developed a thriving Junior Academy. His eldest brother Derek, who is manager at the Samlesbury Golf Centre, said: "He was a massive personality. Once he was around people they were drawn to him. It wasn't only the golf - it was the way he was. He had a gift of making people laugh." Blackburn Golf Club Vice-Captain Stephen Matthews paid tribute to Gerry. He said: "He was our Professional for pretty much all of the 1980s and will be well known to long-standing members. "There was never a dull moment in his company". "He was also a very valued member of the winning Dunham Forest team in 1982. Gerry will be sorely missed by everyone at Blackburn Golf Club." Gerry is survived by his wife Hilary and young children, Lauren, eight, and Jack, 12, a promising golfer whom he had been mentoring since the age of six; brothers, Derek, Liam, Cliff, Mark, Chris and sister Liza plus many other family members.