Members will be most saddened to hear that Maurice Hazzard passed away on Thursday 28th December at the age of 86. Although a relatively new member to the XL Club Maurice had until very recently been an active member and was the match manager for the match against the China Golf Society.
Maurice was far more qualified for XL membership than many having a very strong sporting pedigree. Although a proud Yorkshireman, Maurice played county cricket for Nottinghamshire but could also boast having played with the likes of Dickie Bird, Michael Parkinson and Geoffrey Boycott.
He was a first division football referee when that division was the highest in England, long before the start of the Premier League. He was also a keen skier.
After his school life in Barnsley, Maurice joined the Merchant Navy, qualified as a Master Mariner and spent the rest of his career on the marine side of the upstream oil & gas industry. He spent a good part of his career overseas including a spell in Hong Kong which made him the perfect choice as match manager for the China GS. He threw a memorable party for his 75th at Shek O Golf and Country Club in Hong Kong
Although golf was not his first sport, he was nonetheless very active in club life. He served as Chairman and then captain of West Hill Golf Club and was awarded Honorary Membership only last year.
Maurice will always be remembered for his attention to detail, his impeccable dress sense and his unashamed love for the traditions of golf. He will be sadly missed by us all.
R.J.Pike.
Jan 2024
