New Town golfers were shocked at news of the death of Basildon professional Bill Paterson.

The highly-popular pro at the New Town course died in Basildon Hospital after a short illness at the age of 59.

Apart from a short break, Bill served the New Town course as pro for a quarter of a century and a huge turnout will pay their last respects next Wednesday at the new Pitsea Crematorium at 1.30pm.

For more than two decades Bill had been the driving force behind the highly-successful pro-ams at the New Town club.

Said Basildon Golf Club secretary Arthur Burch: "Bill was a great friend of the club and always showed an interest in the golfing development of amateurs - especially the youngsters.

"I knew Bill as a personal friend for the past 25 years and it was a great privilege. He was always the perfect gentleman both on and off the course."

Bill leaves a wife and two children and will also be remembered for the helping hand he gave to Basildon players who went on to make their names nationally on the golfing scene.

These included Arthur Burch's son Nigel, who is now a professional in South Africa, Jon Robson, who has enjoyed tremendous success on the European tour in recent years, and Stock Brook Manor golf director Kevin Merry.

Bill was also a great worker for the Essex Golf Union and held official positions in their ranks.

Popular pro - Basildon's Bill Paterson has died at the age of 59

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