The Tasmanian golf community is coming to terms with the loss of a much-loved identity with Brett Johns, who passed away last week aged 59.

Johns was a beacon for Tasmanian golf, not only playing for his state and country with distinction, but also inspiring generations of emerging golfers as a mentor once his representative career finished, most notably at Kingston Beach and his beloved North West Bay golf clubs.

Johns wore the green and gold of Australia on three occasions, two of which while in battle with New Zealand in 1983 and again in 1988.

Johns’ second outing for Australia came during the 1987 Asia-Pacific Amateur teams championship at Royal Hua Hin Golf Club in Thailand.

Teamed with Lester Peterson and David Ecob of New South Wales and Victorian Bradley Hughes, the quartet finished runner-up to Japan.

Johns was a member of the Tasmanian men’s team on 11 occasions, the last of which was at the Australian Interstate Teams Matches at Tasmania Golf Club in 1993.

Individually, Johns’ crowning glory was winning the Men’s Australian Amateur Championship in 1987, defeating Phil Aickin of New Zealand 3&2 in a very popular result at the Royal Hobart Golf Club.

Locally, Johns won the Tasmanian Amateur Championship six times, a feat only bettered by the likes of the late, great Peter Toogood and Leonard Nettlefold.

On eight occasions, the most of any recipient, Johns was presented with the Toogood Trophy, an award that recognises the state’s most consistent male player throughout a season.

Johns also won four state foursomes titles, pairing up with Andrew Hill, Elliott Booth and the late Bill Wellington.

Johns also won a swag of district titles including four Southern Opens, three North West and two Northern championships.

At club level, Johns captured ten North West Bay championships over the years and a Royal Hobart title in 1982.

A private funeral will be held on Friday and a wake for the wider community will be conducted at the Kingston Beach Golf Club from 4.30pm on October 23.

Johns is survived by his son Nik.