Former golf club head pro David Melling dies

David Melling pictured in his younger days

Former local golf professional David Melling has died aged 77 following a short illness.

David was the Head Pro at Crompton and Royton Golf Club for 38 years from 1972-2010, before being made a Life Member upon his retirement.

David was an accomplished player, once touring South Africa and later winning multiple Lancashire Order of Merit pro-am events events in the UK and abroad.

He won both of the prestigious Lancashire PGA Strokeplay and Matchplay titles.

David served as the Chairman of the Lancashire PGA for many years. 

David famously won a car for a hole in one at Mere Golf Club in the late 1970's when his pulled iron shot ricocheted off a tree and fell into the hole.

The sports car was used by the family in years that passed.

David and his twin Michael (who was professional at Barnsley GC) were once dubbed the best lightweight golfers in Britain, with David being awarded the Coca-Cola Young Professional of the Year Award.

David will be most remembered in golfing circles for his inimitable teaching style and for introducing hundreds of new players to the game of golf.

David's connections with the town remain strong as his step-son Chris Riley is the manager of the award-winning Fox and Pine pub.

Dave's son Gary is the current Club Champion at Crompton and Royton golf club and grandson Daniel has played 34 times for Lancashire Boys, meaning that the Melling golfing legacy will live on.

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