The Haileybury Society is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Michael Francis Bonallack (C 48), who has died on 27th September 2023, aged 88.
Early promise
Michael revealed an aptitude for golf at an early age; following his acceptance by Chigwell Golf Club as a Junior Member, he was coached by Bert Hodson, a key member of the Great Britain team contesting the Ryder Cup in 1931.
At Haileybury, he also showed his sporting proficiency; as well as being Boys Golf Champion in 1952, he played in the XI (1951-2) as well as being Captain of the Fencing team in the same year. He was also a school Prefect.
Building on his achievements
As a junior, he went on to win the British Boys at Formby Golf Club, an achievement which was to be the first of many in a career which included winning the English Amateur Championship title five times as well as leading the Championship at Carnoustie in 1968, an astonishing achievement by an amateur.
An excellent administrator
Despite his successes, Michael never turned professional. However, he excelled as an administrator; amongst his many roles he served as chairman of the Golf Foundation, chairman of the European Tour, and president of the English Golf Union.
He was also a board member of the European Tour from 2001 to 2015, and chairman of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) from 2004 to 2016.
Royal & Ancient Golf Club
Sir Michael is perhaps best remembered for his role as Secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. It is testament to his ability that he not only held the post for some 15 years until 1999 but that he was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame the following year
For his services and talents, Michael was awarded an OBE in 1971 and knighted in 1998. He died on the eve of the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, an event memorably won by the European team.
Sir Michael’s wife Angela predeceased him. He is survived by his four children, Glenna, Jane, Sara and Robert their children and grandchildren, to whom The Haileybury Society sends its deepest condolences.
Note: We are expecting more information from Sir Michael’s family; the image for this article is reproduced from the PGA website where a more detailed obituary can be found.
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