The president, board and staff of Golf Victoria express their deepest sympathy at the passing of much respected former Victorian Golf Association (VGA) life member, Michael Fitchett.

Fitchett passed away last week. He was 93. A life member, former captain and president of the Metropolitan Golf Club after initially joining the club in 1952.

His significance at Metro has been set in stone with the club naming its men's championship trophy in his honour. He also won that very championship no fewer than seven times in 1956, '61, '63, '64, '68, '69 and '75.

Fitchett was elected to the VGA council in 1963 and served for 22 years. He made an outstanding contribution to Victorian Golf during that time, particularly as chairman of the VGA match committee for 18 years.

Fitchett also played a key role in the rise of the Victorian Open in the 1970s and early 1980s as chairman of its tournament committee.

He was a widely recognised and appreciated figure at VGA events, especially the Vic Open and at Melbourne pennant competitions.

He also managed the Victorian men’s team on numerous occasions and was an Australian selector for 20 years, having been appointed to that position in 1967.

Fitchett was also the manager of the 1984 Eisenhower Cup team that represented Australia in Hong Kong.

A funeral service to celebrate Fitchett's life is being finalised and will be announced in due course.

Golf Australia and Golf Victoria’s sincere condolences are extended to the Fitchett family at this time.

Fitchett was a thorough gentleman with a passion for golf, a friend to all and will be sadly missed.