Michael Bonallack
Name:
Michael Francis BonallackCountry:
EnglandLived:
[1934-2023]. Born on Dec 31, 1934 in Chigwell, Essex, England. Died on Sept 26, 2023 in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland (aged 88).Original/Home Club:
Chigwell GC and Thorpe Hall GC in Essex.Occupation:
Amateur golfer; businessman; Chairman European PGA; President English Golf Union, Secretary Royal & Ancient GC (1984-1999).Turned Pro:
n/aBritish Amateur champion (1961, '65, '68, '69, '70). Walker Cup player (1957, '59, '61, '63, '65, '67, '69, '71, '73). Walker Cup captain (1969, '71). Donald Ross Award (1991, ASGCA). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 2000). Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, OBE (1971), and a Knight Bachelor (1998), which carries the title "Sir."
Sir Michael Bonallack Kt OBE enjoyed a long and distinguished career as Britain's most decorated post-War amateur golfer and leading voice on the global golf scene. He also enjoyed a 16-year tenure as Secretary of the R&A (1983-1999). In 1999/2000 he became Captain of the R&A. He was knighted in the Queen's birthday honours list in June 1998.
The Amateur Championship (75th). Bonallack (Eng) won this title for the third straight year, beating Bill Hyndman (USA) 8 and 7 in the final. This was the last of Bonallack's five Amateur Championship wins. [Royal County Down GC, Newcastle, Co. Down, N. Ireland].
Amateur
R&A
The Amateur Championship (74th). Bonallack (Eng) won this title for the second straight year, beating Bill Hyndman (USA) 3 and 2 in the final. This was the fourth of Bonallack's five Amateur Championship wins. [Royal Liverpool GC, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside].
Amateur
R&A
The Amateur Championship (73rd). Bonallack (Eng) beat Joe Carr (Ire) 7 and 6 in the final. This was the third of Bonallack's five Amateur Championship wins. [Old Course, Royal Troon GC, Troon, Ayrshire].
Amateur
R&A
The Amateur Championship (70th). Bonallack (Eng) beat Clive Clark (Eng) 2 and 1 in the final. This was the second of Bonallack's five Amateur Championship wins. [Royal Porthcawl GC, Mid Glamorgan, Wales].
Amateur
R&A
The Amateur Championship (66th). Bonallack (Eng) beat James Walker (Scot) 6 and 4 in the final. This was the first of Bonallack's five Amateur Championship wins. [Ailsa course, Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire].
Amateur
R&A
Played as the Boys Amateur Championship. Bonallack (Eng) beat Alec Shepperson (Eng) at the 37th hole in the final match. [Formby GC, Formby, Merseyside].
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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