Jean-Louis Dupont, who has died, dedicated his life to golf and he was President of Golf de Chantilly from 1980 to 2001 during which time the Open de France was played on that course north of Paris three times as part of The European Tour International Schedule.
Known in the world of golf and by all his friends as Coco, he won the Coupe Murat (French International) in 1956 and 1962 and he was the club champion at Golf de Chantilly no fewer than four times. He was also a member of the French amateur team from 1954 to 1962 and the captain from 1979 to 1982.
Dupont was also the Honorary Secretary of the l’Association Européenne de Golf from 1957 to 1987 and Chairman of the Championship Committee of that association from 1987 to 1993. He became a member of The Royal and Ancient in 1963.
George O’Grady CBE, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “Coco was a wonderful friend to everyone and a great ambassador for French golf. He had tremendous charisma and he contributed hugely to the development of the game in France and also to the appreciation of golf in France in other countries. I am sure he would have been thrilled by our announcement that The 2018 Ryder Cup is to be played in France. The European Tour was certainly delighted when the Open de France was played at Chantilly in 1988, 1989 and 1990 when on two occasions Sir Nick Faldo was the winner.
“Coco was a very generous and dedicated man who lived life to the full and loved the game of golf. We have lost a man of great vision who helped golf in France become what it is today. On behalf of everyone at The European Tour, I send my condolences to his wife, Marina, and their children, Marie-Amélie and Manya.”
