TONY Rees, the legendary PGA professional at Oxford Golf Club, has died aged 77.

Tributes have been paid to Rees, who was at Southfield for 58 years.

Affectionately known as ‘The Pro’ throughout his career, he continued to help and support all those who came into contact with him.

He began his professional golfing career at what was then the Oxford University Golf Club in March 1957, succeeding a past PGA chairman FH Taylor and continuing in this position until his retirement in March 2015.

Rees had an impressive playing career, holding the Midland Professionals, Assistants and Match Play titles in the same year as well as competing in The Open Championship.

In the 1960s he had the opportunity to become one of Ernest Butten’s ‘Boys’ and join the likes of Tommy Horton and Brian Barnes.

But instead of becoming a tournament professional, he chose to stay with his club, forging an outstanding career as a club pro.

He was not only one of the first training professionals at the PGA, but a founder member of the Foremost group, the prominent retail organisation.

In addition, he was a very active member of both the South Region and BB&O PGA committees.

He became a PGA honorary member on reaching 50 years at the club.

It was an achievement recognised by a special letter of congratulations from Gary Player, one of his early inspirations as a professional.

Martin Morbey, secretary of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon PGA said: “Tony was especially supportive to those of us who had the privilege to learn under his tutelage, and was always happy to give his time and knowledge to help us develop.”

A PGA colleague David Johnson said: “Tony was a human being of real quality.

“He not only cared about his fellow professionals, but about the good of the game.

“He should be remembered as a man who enhanced golf, and who really shone when he showed his ability as a PGA professional.

“I’m proud and feel very privileged to have been able to call him a friend.”

Joe Pepperell, who succeeded Rees as Oxford GC’s professional in 2015, said: “Tony was a fabulous person, a great credit to the game of golf.

“He was a really lovely man and a friend to everyone.”

CLUB RESULTS

NORTH OXFORD

Pimms Cup 3rd round: 1 S Powell 40 pts, 2 C Varney 39 (cb), 3 A Quinn 39 (cb), 4 B Tobin 39.

Midweek Stableford: 1 C Varney 38pts (cb), 2 J Mazey 38, 3 S Young 35.