NEWPORT, and Newport Golf Club in particular, has lost one of its best-known personalities in Gwyn James, who died recently aged 93.

Mr James was the club professional for forty years and assistant pro for 14 years before that and at his death was one of the oldest members of the Professional Golf Association. He leaves a widow Ethel, sons Malcolm and Keith and daughter Diana.

Mr James was engaed as a caddy by then professional Griffith Williams in 1920 at the age of 12 before becoming an apprentice in the professional's shop at Newport GC in 1925.

When British Ryder Cup player Bert Hodson moved to Chigwell in 1929, Mr James was appointed assistant pro and became club pro in 1934.

As a player he tied with Sam King for the British Assistant Professional Championship at the South Herts Club in 1932 with a score of 139 before winning the play-off, refereed by the legendary Harry Varden, who still jointly holds the Open record of five wins.

He was third in the Welsh Professional Championship in 1930 and second in 1932 and 1935 before finaly winning the title on his own course in 1950.

In 1937 he played for Wales in the Professional International Tournament.

On leaving Newport Golf Club, he moved to Cleveleys, near Blackpool, and then to Dawlish in Devon, playing at Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren Golf Clubs before moving back to Newport.

His funeral service will be held at St Johns Church, Rogerstone, on Monday at 12 noon.