POOLE man Edwin West, known as Ted, had three loves; golf, football and speedway, with golf his greatest passion.

For many years Ted was greenkeeper at Broadstone Golf Club and, at his peak, played off a four handicap.

A life-long golfer, he was taught the game as a child by his father’s friend Reg Whitcombe; the 1938 Open Champion. After being shown how to hold the club and address the ball, the final instruction was: “Now hit the damn thing.”

His father was a golfer, his uncle a professional, and young Ted often found Parkstone Golf Club more tempting than school.

Educated at Kemp-Welch School, he completed his National Service in the Dorset and Devonshire Regiment and then worked at Bournemouth parks department before becoming Broadstone green keeper for the rest of his working life.

Successful in the annual tournaments of the British Greenkeepers’ Association, he was proud to be selected for their team against the Americans. He also joined friends on golfing holidays and competed on championship courses throughout the UK.

In retirement Ted became a life member at Broadstone and, in later years, enjoyed regular games and companionship at Sturminster Marshall Golf Club.

Ted also supported Poole Pirates speedway and enjoyed regular games of snooker at the British Legion.

Known for his sportsmanship, he lived his life with quiet good humour and acceptance of its highs and lows. Suffering from Alzheimer’s, he ended his days at Pinewood Towers care home in Poole, passing away at the age of 75.