The memory of South Africa’s iconic golfer, Bobby Locke, is now enshrined proudly and permanently at Parkview Golf Club. A bronze statue of the former Parkview player who, on four occasions, won The Open Championship was unveiled at the weekend by former SA Open winner and well-known golf commentator, Denis Hutchinson. Locke stands doffing his cap to the clubhouse.
Guest of honour at the function, another former golf champion and now commentator, Dale Hayes, said: ‘For many years, Locke simply was the best golfer in the world. It’s easy for today’s sports fans to forget that. So it’s only right that there should be a statue in his honour and it’s appropriate that it should be at Parkview, Locke’s home club for many years.’
Parkview Golf Club President, Colin Robinson, said: ‘The statue stands not only as a permanent homage to one of golf’s greatest exponents but as confirmation of Parkview’s commitment and historical attachment to golfing achievements. Locke portrayed a spirit of excellence, which he imparted both to the game and to this club.’
‘As we begin our second century, Parkview golf club is thriving. The course is in excellent condition. And as we salute the excellence that Bobby brought to golf, we pay tribute to all the Parkview golfers who, through the years, have made a similar outstanding contribution to Parkview’s proud reputation.’
The unveiling, attended by dignitaries and club members, was the first of several events the club is planning this year in celebration of its centenary. Its official birthday is July first. Arthur D’Arcy Locke, who was inducted to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977, won both the SA Amateur and the SA Open at Parkview in 1935 and played at the club until his passing in 1987. He was the first South African to win a major golf event, and the first to defeat the best golfers in the world, both in Europe and the United States.
The statue was sculpted by the established South African sculptor, Heidi Hadaway, at her studio in Northcliff, Johannesburg. Working from photographs of Locke, and with guidance from Parkview members who had known him, Hadaway created original artwork in clay before it was cast in bronze at a foundry in the Cape.
