Burley Golf Club bids farewell to long-serving greenkeeper Tony Locke

After an incredible 45 years of service, Tony Locke has retired from his role as head greenkeeper at Burley Golf Club, marking the end of a truly remarkable career.

His retirement was celebrated in style when over 100 people packed the clubhouse to honour his years of service.

In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded lifetime membership at the club and presented with a top-of-the-range electric bike, a thoughtful gesture for Locke, who has never driven a car.

Born in 1959 and raised in Burley, Tony left school in 1975 and initially worked as a carpet fitter before moving into double glazing and conservatories. However, his true calling came in 1977 when he joined Burley Golf Club as an assistant greenkeeper.

Over the years, he honed his skills, becoming head greenkeeper in 1989, a position he held with dedication for the next 35 years.

Locke’s impact on the club cannot be overstated. The greens, in particular, have received widespread praise from members, visitors, and professional players alike.

Locke has not only maintained the course but also made his mark on it as a golfer. An all-round sportsman and skilled golfer, he appears no less than nine times on the club honours board and was crowned men’s champion in 1989/90. Remarkably, his most recent trophy win came as recently as 2024.

Although he has retired, Locke is far from saying goodbye. A Burley native through and through, he is expected to continue playing and socialising in the clubhouse for many years to come.

Chairman Mike Page summed up feelings when he said: “From all at Burley Golf Club, thank you, Tony, for everything.

“Your legacy will live on in every fairway and green you have so carefully tended.”