GOLF NEWS - Well-known South African golf legend John Bland passed away on Tuesday morning 9 May in George. Since the news became known, tributes have been pouring in for the professional golfer, after he lost his short battle against cancer aged 77.
Bland, who lived in Fancourt, was born on 22 September 1945 in Johannesburg in the former Transvaal. He turned professional in 1969, starting a career that took him all over the world.
As a professional golfer, he won more than 30 tournaments worldwide. Among his wins are two in the European tour, 19 in the Sunshine tour, one in the Challenge Tour, five PGA Tour champion wins and three European senior tour wins.
His wife Sonja says that, even with all his success, John remained humble and preferred a simple life out of the limelight. His family was his priority.
A message on the Fancourt Facebook page reads:
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Bland, an esteemed member of Fancourt for many years. John was a true gentleman and a valued member of our community. We extend our sincere condolences to Sonja, John's family, friends and his beloved English bulldog, Handsome, during this difficult time. We will remember him fondly and keep his memory alive through the game he loved so much. Rest in peace, John. You will always be a part of the Fancourt family."
Bland is survived by Sonja, his three children John-Mark, Bonney and Candice, as well as his brother Allen with their respective families and Handsome, his bulldog.
More information and funeral arrangements will be made known next week.
John Bland on the Sedge Links golf course in 2015. Photo: Hugo Redelinghuys
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