Simon Hobday signs his last card

A legend of Southern African golf, Simon Hobday, died at his Ballito home last week after a short illness, at the age of 76.

Tributes have poured in from throughout the golfing world for the man who golf professionals believe second only to Ben Hogan as the best striker of the ball in the game worldwide.

Born in Mafikeng, Hobday grew up in Zambia and later, Zimbabwe, where he quickly established a name as an amateur to look out for.

Former golf professional and Ballito-based course designer Peter Matkovich, one of Hobday’s closest friends, said this week that they had been close since meeting an the Eisenhower world amateur trophy in Mexico City 51 years ago.

Hobday had a talent for partying. Matkovich laughs: “Hobday showed me some of the sights of Mexico City that the normal tourist never gets to.”

He goes on, “Hobday became a legend not only because he played hard, but because he was loved by so many people. He spoke his mind, no matter who he was speaking to, and he had an incredible sense of humour.

“Sadly, the socialising became his image, but he was one of the best strikers of the ball in the world, up there with Ben Hogan. When he practised, all the pros would turn out to watch him. The best teaching professionals, like David Ledbetter and Muss Gammon, used him as their model.”

He won six tournaments on the Sunshine Tour, the German Open and Madrid Open on the European Tour and five tournaments on the Champions Tour including the US Senior Open.

Matkovich believes that what held Hobday back from being an even better golfer was poor putting and the pressure of being at the top.

“Make no mistake, there’s more to golf than hitting a ball.”

Hobday went onto the senior tour with the aim of making enough money for his retirement, which he achieved. Asked why he wanted to retire from the tour, he replied, “I don’t ever want to hit another four foot putt again!”

Hobday, Matkovich and their mutual friend, Dale Hayes, formed a golf attire company – Rhythm Clothing – that was very successful but failed because none of them were businessmen. Matkovich says he was in charge of the accounts but he couldn’t count, and Hayes says Hobday believed that if you pocketed all the money, then you didn’t have to pay your creditors!

Hobday moved to Ballito three years ago, after having married his second wife, Barbara. He is also survived by a son, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Dale Hayes said Southern African golf had lost a genuine legend. The stories differ, but he always loved to play and his friends say he recently shot a 67 at Umhlali.

“We loved Simon because he was fun loving, with a wonderful sense of humour. His antics will be spoken about for many years to come. Simon will be remembered by all his friends around the world as a great golfer and a man of integrity and great sportsmanship. He was a champion, both on and off the golf course and I was privileged to call him a friend,” said Hayes.

“Enjoy your golf in heaven, Simon. Arnie’s got a tee off time booked for you…”

Matkovich says that at his bedside last week, Hobday was at peace with dying.

“I said, It’s time to sign your last card. Can I write here ‘Jesus, I believe’. And Hobday replied ‘I can sign that’.”

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