Tommy Dawson, the founder of Longhirst Hall Golf Course, has passed away at the age of 92.
Tommy, who started North East travel agent Dawson & Sanderson in 1962 in Ashington, died peacefully on Sunday September 8 surrounded by his family.
A passionate golfer, he founded Longhirst Hall Golf Course on the site of what was once Europe’s largest open cast mine. Opened in 1997, today Longhirst is home to two courses – the Lakes and Dawson courses – and the venue has hosted some of the biggest golf events to visit the region. It is also the host site for the Northern Golfer Champion of Champions.
“Tom lived and breathed Longhirst when he stepped back from Dawson & Sanderson, and created something very special over 30 years, that we as a team look forward to taking forward in his name,” said Longhirst director of golf, and Tommy’s son-in-law, Graham Chambers.
“Thinking back to the scarred landscape we started with and the work that went into handplanting 42,000 saplings with an empty view right across to the A1, and trying to put that journey into words is simply impossible. Tommy created something very special at Longhirst and it will be a wonderful legacy for people to come and enjoy for many, many years to come.
“Please take a moment while on the course during your next visit to reflect on what Tommy created for us all, and the incredible impact he has had on golf here, and in the North East.”
