It is with great sadness and profound shock that Durham County Golf Union announces the unexpected passing of Tony Garrity, who sadly died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Tony’s passing was completely unexpected and has come as a tremendous shock to his family, friends and the many people who knew and respected him throughout the golfing community.

Tony was a long-standing member of Chester le Street Golf Club and made a significant contribution to golf at both club and county level. His commitment to Durham golf extended over many years, and in 2006 he joined the Executive Committee of Durham County Golf Union, beginning a period of more than 15 years of dedicated service to the administration and development of the game in the county.

In 2019, Tony was elected President of Durham County Golf Union, succeeding John Kirk of Billingham. His presidency was originally intended to last for two years, but the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that Tony continued in the role for a third year, finally handing over the presidency in 2022.

Tony was only the third member of Chester-le-Street Golf Club to serve as Durham County President, an achievement which reflected both the esteem in which he was held within his own club and the wider respect he had earned throughout county golf.

Those who worked alongside Tony on the County Executive will remember his commitment, knowledge and willingness to give his time to support Durham golf. His contribution was not confined to his years as President; rather, the presidency represented the culmination of many years of service to the County and its affiliated clubs.

Tony will be remembered with great affection and respect by his many friends and fellow golfers at Chester-le-Street, throughout County Durham and across the Northern Counties.

Durham County Golf Union extends its sincere condolences to Tony’s family, friends and all at Chester-le-Street Golf Club at this very sad time.

Tony will be greatly missed