Wolstanton <\/a>Golf Club is mourning the loss of Les Hancock who was junior organiser for more than 50 years. The stalwart – who took up the role in 1967 – passed away at the age of 92 on January 7.<\/p>\nDuring his long-running stint, Les, from Wolstanton, introduced more than 3,000 youngsters to golf. And in recognition of the work Les did for Junior golf, the late Queen awarded him with a British Empire Medal (BEM).<\/p>\n
Many of Les’s juniors went on to represent their county and country. Robert Maxfield, Paul Sweetsur and David Walley represented England, whilst Sam Burks represented Wales. Many of Les\u2019s juniors also went on to become club officials, including his son Neil, who is this year\u2019s president, and the club\u2019s PGA Professional Nigel Onions was also one of Les’s juniors.<\/p>\n
Another honour saw Staffordshire Golf make Les a Vice President of the County and in 2015 he was awarded the Golf Foundation’s most prestigious award, the Henry Cotton Award.<\/p>\n
Les was given the honour of being President in Wolstanton Golf Club\u2019s Centenary year in 2004 and the club lounge was named The Les Hancock Lounge.<\/p>\n
President Neil Hancock said: “Dad has been an inspiration to so many juniors at our club. Every Sunday he would take out the very young juniors who were new to golf giving his time freely to encourage youngsters into our game. My family and I are so proud of everything dad did for our club and the game.”<\/p>\n
Robert Maxfield, ex PGA chief executive, added: “Our game is so blessed to have people like Les that give up their time to encourage youngsters to take up our game. To carry out the role for 50 years is incredible and Wolstanton Golf Club owes Les a huge debt of gratitude.”<\/p>\n
And Brendon Pyle, Golf Foundation chief executive, said: “I met Les at the 2015 Golf Foundation Awards, and I was delighted he was awarded the Henry Cotton Award. Les was a real gentleman who gave up so much of his time to support junior golf. My condolences go to Les\u2019s family and all at Wolstanton Golf Club for their loss.”<\/p>\n
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