ACKNOWLEDGING THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF MALCOLM WALKER
A MEMORIAL NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO MALCOLM, A KIND-HEARTED, TRUE GENTLEMAN.
Eulogy
By Fiona RickardIn January the Club came together in mourning as we remembered our 2002 Club Captain and Chair of the Wentworth Foundation, Malcolm Walker. Malcolm was a true gentleman who will be fondly remembered and missed by all, particularly by the scholars, whom Malcolm dedicated almost 20 years to.
For almost two decades the Foundation was chaired by the inspirational Malcolm who, together with his family had been a Member and an integral part of the Club since 1981. Malcolm became Chair of the Foundation in 2003 following his year as the 2002 Club Captain when he first sat on the Foundation Committee. The Foundation became a very important part of his life and something he was fully committed to. It was his passion, and he was an advocate and a champion of the scheme.
In the 16 years he was in the Chair it is estimated that he had been a caretaker and mentor to over 50 young people giving them unique opportunities, endless support and encouragement and the confidence to believe in themselves. He always ensured that his scholars took their education seriously and that they had a plan B if they were not able to make Golf or Tennis their career.
Malcolm was proud of them all whether they went on to be a professional golfer, represent GB at tennis, play junior Wimbledon or pursue other careers. Whatever their future Malcolm followed their progress closely and for some he was instrumental in securing extra funding to help them succeed.
He not only cared about the individuals in the Foundation, but he was also close to their families and knew every one of them personally. He had requests from other clubs like Woburn and even in Australia asking how the scholarship was run but none of them were quite able to replicate it.
In 2006 he introduced the Foundation Cup an annual match between the Scholars and Club, and it was his favourite tournament and one that the Scholars generally win.
It is no exaggeration to say that Malcolm quite literally influenced and changed the course of many young lives. He established strong values and standards which earnt him respect and love from his protegees and his peers. It is heart-warming to learn how much he meant to the Scholars and how the Foundation gave them confidence and proved invaluable in their future development.
In 2019 after his stroke, Malcolm reluctantly resigned from his role as Chair because he felt he could not continue with the same dedication and commitment as before. Malcolm remained passionate and dedicated to the incredible work the Foundation continued to do.
Malcolm left an immense mark on the Scholars who met him, and his legacy continues to live on in the Malcolm Walker Award. Created in 2021 by the Foundation in honour of Malcolm’s unwavering support, each year the award is presented to a Scholar in recognition of their progress, achievements, and commitment throughout the year.
The prize giving ceremony at the Club on Saturday, 3rd December 2022 where Malcolm presented the 2022 Malcolm Walker Award was particularly poignant as Malcolm passed away shortly after.
Whilst we will all miss Malcolm greatly; his memory continues to live on as we honour his dedication to the Foundation each year.
‘The last time I saw Malcolm was last year at the 2022 BMW PGA Championship. After our brief catch up, I remember walking away and I chuckled to myself. The reason was because he still had that cheeky glimmer in his eye and his humour hadn’t changed. Little did I know, it’d be the last time I’d see him.
There are a lot of things to be thankful for especially when you reflect on the impact an individual has had on you. Malcolm was a man that cared. He was always so curious to know how things were both on and off the golf course and he was never shy to give up his time to try and help. Growing up, never in a million years did I ever think I would have an opportunity
to turn my dreams into a reality and Malcolm’s efforts in guiding me was all part of it. On behalf of all the Scholars and I, I would like to say a huge thank you to Malcolm and his incredible wife Patsy for being unbelievable supporters of the next generation. Now we have grown a little taller, maybe gotten a little wiser, we owe it to your legacy in that we will continue to do our best. Without his mentorship, belief and encouragement, a lot of us would not be where we are now. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you and you will be missed by so many.’
“Malcolm played a massive part in my golfing career and without his input I’m not sure I would be the player I am today. One of my fondest memories was when Steve Brown and I won the Sunningdale foursomes in 2014, Malcolm walked every single hole with us 36 a day for 4 days! On the first round he bought me a cherry flapjack at the halfway hut as a treat!! And because we won that first match every time, we passed the hut (twice a day) He would get me another one to maintain the winning ingredient. By the end of the week, I couldn’t face another cherry flapjack. He was so proud that 2 of his Wentworth Scholars (myself and Inci) were in the final and that is a moment which will be my most remembered in my golfing career”.
Annabel Dimmock, former Scholar
Inci Mehmet, former Scholar
“He was a grandfather figure of sorts, so very proud of the Juniors at the Club, always interested to hear about our challenges and successes, on and off the course. He was a loving guardian to so many of us, a true gent with a big heart. He exuded a feeling of warmth and love, always.”
Jess Sewell, former Scholar
“A kind, caring & loving individual. He treasured the scholarship at Wentworth & took a huge amount of pride in offering us the opportunity of a lifetime. He always made it his duty to go above and beyond, mentoring us, helping us through our teenage years and always, checking in to ensure we were working hard in school. Many of us owe Malcolm a debt we will never be able to repay. It has been an honour to have him in my life for the last 20 years and it is my duty to continue to make him proud”.
‘I remember my Scholar’s interview in Spring of 2017, being very on edge. The friendly presence and warm smile of Malcolm Walker instantly eased all of my nerves and made Wentworth feel like home.
Stuart Holder, former ScholarFor months and months after joining I obsessed with getting my handicap down, but I couldn’t quite get to grips with the Wentworth Courses. In a surge of panic my mum decided to contact Malcolm Walker to seek some extra help, and I will never forget what he said…
“There is so much more to Molly than golf, the handicap will come down by itself, but for now, just focus on enjoying the given opportunity”. Malcolm’s words stuck with me, helped me not just become a better golfer, but allowed me to enjoy the game much more than I ever had before and because of that I am eternally grateful.’
Molly Miles, former Scholar“I speak on behalf of every Scholar when I say the Foundation changed our lives for the better. Yes, we learnt how to play golf in the best facilities, but we also learnt many life lessons as well. From the beaming smile at my initial interview to the constant teasing after beating me one year in the annual Club vs Scholars match, I have memories to treasure for the rest of my life.”
Jack Leverett, former Scholar“A gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a wry smile. He was always supportive of the Ladies Section and offered sound advice and encouragement and always valuable input.”
Irene Brien, former Vice Club Captain“Malcolm was a true gentleman. I still remember when my parents and I walked into my first scholarship meeting and were instantly comfortable. Without Malcolm I wouldn’t be where I am today, I am so grateful for everything he has done for me as a person and as a golfer. He would call me every other week for an update on my golf and I will always remember him closing the calls with “Well keep going old chap”. A thank you will never be enough for what you have done for all of us, you changed our lives so on behalf of all Scholars …
THANK YOU.”
“Malcolm was the most kind and caring man who always had time for you, and nothing was too much trouble. One of my most defining memories is when he took 2 of us to be fitted with dinner suits to celebrate 60 years of the Ryder Cup at Wentworth. We had such a laugh with Malcolm trying on the suits and he even paid for the hire of them himself. Malcolm was an incredible man, and he will be dearly missed.”
Nick Peters, former Scholar
Curtis Griffiths, former Scholar
“Such a wonderful man, we were extremely lucky to have him as the Chairman as he and Mike worked tirelessly to ensure we were well taken care of. He will be greatly missed.”
Stacey Buckley, former Scholar“I wish I could have told you more often how much I owed to you and Mike for giving us the scholarship opportunity. Looking back, I really took for granted how amazing the whole experience was. You were a fantastic character who always had a smile and joke to crack.”
Callan McCauley, former Scholar“Malcolm made the Scholars themselves the focus of the Foundation, he always wanted to know how they were doing at school, on the course or on the court. When Scholars got injured, fell ill or struggled with personal or family issues he always wanted to help. He felt that sport generally and Golf and Tennis specifically could help them stay healthy and achieve goals in their education, employment and family lives. He will be greatly missed by Trustees and Scholars past and present.”
Dominic Elsom, Foundation Trustee
“I had the privilege of working with Malcolm for all the period that he was the Chair of the Wentworth Foundation. During that time, we must have interviewed well in excess of 100 young potential golfers all of whom certainly had fond memories of Malcolm. From a more personal point of view, it was a pleasure to be associated with Malcolm as in all of our deal-ins he was totally reliable and dependable.
During this time, under Malcolm’s guidance and influence, the Foundation grew to become a unique opportunity for local young children. He would be immensely proud of the number of Scholars whose life has been changed by being a Member of the Wentworth Foundation.”
“My deepest condolences to Malcolm’s family and friends at this time, thinking of you all. I’m sure I can speak on behalf of every Junior who was part of the scholarship by saying Malcolm was an incredible inspiration on all of our lives, by initially giving us an emphatic opportunity to then always being a preeminent figure in shaping our futures.”
Ronnie Mitchell, former Scholar Mike McLoughlin, Foundation Trustee“Having successfully led the Foundation for so many years, Malcolm has left a deep imprint not only on its workings and its aims but, more importantly, on generations of Scholars as indicated by their testimonies.
As a former bank manager, Malcolm made certain Members’ money was used appropriately and sufficient reserves were left to ensure the funding of activities going forward. He was however always ready to provide additional financial support to Scholars representing the Club or seeking development opportunities to fulfil their career ambitions in their chosen sport. If asked, he also made sure Scholars were offered the advice, guidance and work experience they may need to succeed in their chosen career.
His leadership is apparent throughout the Foundation, from minutes of past meetings to the way decisions are made and to the profound influence Malcolm had on so many Scholars. He had a very strong belief in the Foundation’s principles and aims, and always ensured they were followed by all.
In a couple of years’ time, all Scholars that Malcolm recruited to the Foundation will have left Wentworth. However, through the Malcolm Walker Award, we will be able to honour the significant contribution he made both to the philosophy of the Foundation and to the life of every individual that he touched through his kindness, humour, and generosity of spirit.”
Patricia Leon, Chair of the FoundationI first met Malcolm in 2014, instantly recognisable by his softly spoken voice, he made you feel welcome and at ease in the slightly over whelming environment of Wentworth Club. He gave an opportunity to our son Joshua that shaped his teenage years and something that will live with him forever. My family have nothing but fond memories of Malcolm and we will always be grateful for that opportunity and support he offered our son.
From a personal perspective, I could see Malcolm’s passion for the Foundation and the joy it brought him watching the Scholars develop throughout the years. He could remember the smallest details about them and it was easy to see he cared about their development. He touched so many young lives with an opportunity that will live with them and shape their lives for many years to come.
Keith Balson-Scales, Foundation Secretary
Malcolm Walker presented me with the opportunity of a lifetime back in 2017 to become a Scholar at Wentworth, I cannot thank him enough for this. It has been an honour to be a part of the Foundation, which Malcolm was so essential in upholding for almost 2 decades. The chance to be granted a Junior Membership, to play and practice and to be involved in club life at Wentworth has played a major role in my development within the game of Golf but more importantly as a person. This is all thanks to Malcolm and the Trustees’ commitment to providing this scholarship to Juniors in the area, which I hope continues into the future so more individuals can make the most of the benefits I have and continue to experience from being a Scholar at Wentworth. Thank you Malcolm, you have provided me with the best Foundation to achieve my goals within golf and in life. I will forever be grateful for that.
Rocky Chapman, former Scholar
Malcolm Walker was such an inspiration to myself. He was always very interested in my achievements, despite knowing more about Golf than Tennis! He was passionate about the foundation and specifically helping younger people gain an incredible experience to cherish for a lifetime. He was so positive and energetic around the Club, to myself and my parents and was always willing to help me in any way I needed. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will continue through the people he has helped.
Liliana Flemming, former Scholar
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING MALCOLM
