Ann Coles, the wife of former European Tour Chairman and Ryder Cup player Neil Coles MBE, has died following illness.
The couple married in 1954 after growing up together in Letchworth, where Coles started his career as a young PGA assistant at Letchworth Golf Club.
Ann was by his side throughout a hugely successful career, as Coles went on to win 25 times on the European Tour and 15 times on the European Senior Tour, featuring in eight Ryder Cups, sharing the record with Colin Montgomerie for the most points in singles matches by a European player.
Whilst also running her own successful business in Hersham, Ann made an important contribution to all of Neil's varied interests and supported her husband throughout his 38-year tenure as Chairman of the European Tour.
Ken Schofield, the Executive Director of the PGA European Tour for 30 years, said: “All of the many people throughout the golfing world will be saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Coles. Whether at Ryder Cups, Open Championships, or the major European Tour events, Ann was there to support Neil and formed friendships from all quarters of the globe. Ann will be much missed. Our thoughts today are most certainly with Neil and his immediate family.”
The couple, who settled in Walton-on-Thames, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last year, marking 60 years of marriage. They have two sons, Keith and Gary, born in 1956 and 1959 respectively.
