Dave Thomas 1934 – 2013

Dave Thomas, who passed away on 27th August 2013 at the age of 79, was a Senior Member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects who became a prolific golf course designer following a highly successful playing career. As a professional Dave Thomas won over twenty tournaments and played in four Ryder Cup matches. He twice finished runner up at the Open Championship, losing a play-off to Peter Thomson in 1958 and finishing just one shot behind Jack Nicklaus in 1966.

Dave Thomas began his golf course design career in the 1970’s, initially creating several courses with Peter Alliss including the Brabazon Course at The Belfry where The Ryder Cup was famously played on four separate occasions. Altogether Dave Thomas was responsible for the creation of over 100 courses throughout the world including Terre Blanche in France, St Leon Rot in Germany and San Roque in Spain. He first joined the British Institute of Golf Course Architects in 1995 and became a member of the EIGCA when the three major European golf course architect associations merged in 2000.

Speaking on behalf of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, EIGCA President Peter Fjallman said,

“It was with great sadness that we learned of Dave Thomas’s passing. To move from successful professional golfer to talented golf course designer is not always easy but Dave’s ability to create modern, successful golf courses in so many different parts of the world is a true testament of his skill, and will create a lasting legacy. He was held in very high regard by our members.”

Former EIGCA President Simon Gidman commented,

“Dave Thomas was always a conscientious member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects and he attended our meetings whenever he could. I remember meeting Dave on a number of occasions when he was Captain of the PGA and I was President of the EIGCA and he always came over to talk to me to find out how things were going. I’m sure he had far more important people to talk to, but it was a reflection of his genuine approach that he would make time for those of us less in the limelight.”

Dave Thomas is survived by his partner, Carol and two sons, Michael and Paul. A funeral service was held at the Manilva Crematorium on 2nd September near his home in Spain. The family requested no flowers. Donations to the PGA Benevolent Fund c/o David Wright, The PGA, Centenary House, The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 9PT.