Fred Private was born on 4th March 1931 in Nunhead, the second son of Arthur and Florence. He grew up enjoying life in the local area, getting involved in gymnastics, boxing and the Boys' Brigade, with a well-known love of animals, particularly dogs, who seemed to follow him wherever he went.
After national service in the army, where his early sporting training saw him chosen as a physical education instructor, Fred met Catherine in 1954. They married a year later and remained together for 65 years to celebrate their blue sapphire anniversary. Together they had three children: Kimberley, David and Tina.
Fred's introduction to golf came while working as a lino planner at Beckenham Golf Club, where the pro, Tom Cotton, asked if he'd be interested in playing. It was the beginning of an outstanding career. Fred spent seven years as Tom Cotton's assistant before joining Lloyd Laville at Aquarius Golf Club, a club that boasted the famous Sir Henry Cotton as a former member and champion.
When Lloyd Laville retired due to ill health in 1967, Fred succeeded him as Head Professional, a role he held for over four decades. During his long coaching career, he passed on the techniques and insights of Ben Hogan to thousands of aspiring golfers, many of whom became lifelong friends and admirers.
A Lasting Legacy
Fred's impact on the game was felt far and wide. Geoffrey Thorpe, a PGA pro and director of golf at the Kent and Surrey Golf and Country Club, began his training with Fred at the age of 10 and credited his own success to that early coaching. Many PGA professionals in the area, including Roger Fidler, Andrew Reynolds, Bill Dawson and Peter Gill, held Fred in the highest regard, as did three-time Ryder Cup player, the late George Will.
Away from golf, Fred was known for his generosity and kindness. After his son David was treated at the Evelina Children's Hospital as a baby, Fred returned every Christmas with friends Dave Earl and Henry Gooden to paint cartoon characters for the children and staff, which became a tradition he kept up for years.
Fred captained the Kent PGA in 1971 and was made a PGA Honorary Member in 2005. In 2008 he received the Southwark Civic Award in recognition of his 40 years of service as a golf professional and his dedication to Aquarius Golf Club and its educational activities. He was also present for the unveiling of a plaque erected in memory of Henry Cotton, where he was presented with a book by its author, Peter Alliss.
Fittingly described as "The Sage of Aquarius" by the PGA, Fred's legacy extends far beyond golf - through his devotion to his family, his many friendships, and the kindness he showed to everyone who knew him.
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