THE FUNERAL of former golf professional Terry Gilbert, from Bowdon, will be held at Altrincham Crematorium, Dunham Massey, at 2pm on February 20.

Terry died on his 69th birthday on January 27, two months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died in the home of daughter Deborah Lawson, who was caring for him.

Terry's wish was for everyone to have a relaxed and positive day together at the funeral, rather than a traditional formal, austere occasion - along with golfers bringing a club and wearing bright clothes.

Terry was also one of the few remaining craftsmen who are able to customise golf clubs.

His golf career began at Altrincham Golf Course under former British golf captain Hugh Lewis. He then gained invaluable knowledge in club making when becoming an assistant pro to Alex Robertson at Ringway Golf Club.

While still at Ringway, Terry became a golf pro at Lilleshall Sports Centre in Shropshire, where he later went on to train and test future pros, both in their game and in the art of club repairs. Terry spent two years on the staff at the PGA training centre after receiving top marks in his examinations.

Next, Terry went on to join Reg Cox as a teaching Pro at Gog Magog, near Cambridge, where much of his time was spent teaching undergraduates and the Cambridge Blues. From Cambridge, Terry went to Royal Worthington Golf Club in Suffolk where Terry was fast becoming renowned for being one of the first to customise clubs. Other golf clubs Terry has been a Professional at include Kendal in the Lake district, West Kilbride, Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland and Sale.

Terry also spent many years coaching at Cranford driving range, as well as preparing countless assistant professionals for PGA examinations and even teaching the French National Team and the French Prime Minister.

Terry began making clubs full time when he was teaching for 12 hours a day and then spending nights making clubs. Terry subsequently became a renowned in his craft, making clubs for golfers all over the world including Switzerland, Belgium and Hawaii. He built a large following of golfers and pros who trusted Terry's expertise and knowledge in his premises in Sale, Northenden, Stockport and Carrington. His clients included countless famous faces and ITV also used Terry’s clubs for their shows.

Terry competed in tournaments all over Europe including Spain and Portugal and won immeasurable competitions including the Newmarket Championship, the Suffolk Open, the Hannock trophy and more recently the President's Trophy.

He is survived by his children Deborah, Louise, Rebecca and Christopher, his grandchildren Ashley and Logan and his mother Shirley, who is 91.