The R&A

Tributes paid to Lady Angela Bonallack

Lady Bonallack, Angela, one of Great Britain and Ireland’s finest amateur golfers, has sadly died aged 85.

The R&A

02 Jul 22

3 mins

Born in Birchington on 7th April 1937, formerly Angela Ward, she was the wife of Sir Michael Bonallack, past Secretary and Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and, in her own right, one of the world’s most decorated amateur golfers of her era.

In a prestigious amateur career, she represented Great Britain and Ireland in six consecutive Curtis Cup Matches from 1956 to 1966. She won the then British Girls’ Amateur Championship in 1955 and went on to win the English Women’s Amateur Championship in 1958 and 1963. She finished runner-up in the then Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship in 1962 and 1974. In 1955, she won both the Swedish and German Ladies Amateur championships adding the Scandinavian Ladies in 1956 and the Portuguese Ladies’ Championship in 1957 to her list of achievements within the game.

Lady Bonallack represented Great Britain and Ireland in six consecutive Curtis Cup Matches from 1956 to 1966.

"Her achievements in the game are a true reflection of a prolific amateur career in which she won many prestigious titles and represented Great Britain and Ireland at the highest levels of the sport."

Martin Slumbers

CEO of The R&A

Following her illustrious playing career, Lady Bonallack, Angela, continued to support Great Britain and Ireland’s golfers, often seen walking the fairways watching and supporting players representing both England and GB&I. Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Angela’s passing. Her achievements in the game are a true reflection of a prolific amateur career in which she won many prestigious titles and represented Great Britain and Ireland at the highest levels of the sport. “On behalf of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and The R&A I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to Sir Michael and the Bonallack family.” In 2015, she made history as one of the first lady members admitted to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and won the first monthly medal she played in with a net 71. She is survived by Sir Michael, her children, Glenna, Jane, Sara & Robert and her ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.