By the PGA of Australia

PGA of Australia life member and long-time Killara Golf Club professional David Mercer has died.

Mercer passed away peacefully on Saturday aged 89.

Born in 1931, David was one of eight children, growing up in North Ryde, not far from North Ryde Golf Club.

Golf became a prominent part of David’s life with he and his brothers caddying in his early years before David began his PGA apprenticeship in 1951.

David became a full member of the PGA in 1953 and was appointed as the club professional at Killara Golf Club.

There, he became the benchmark standard for club professionals around Australia, serving as Killara’s professional for more than 43 years.

His success and influence on others resulted in life membership of the Professional Golfers Association of Australia and also of his beloved Killara Golf Club.

David was an accomplished player, winning multiple titles including the NSW PGA Foursomes Championship and qualifying for the 1973 Open Championship, all while holding his role at Killara.

During his career, he mentored countless PGA professionals, including his son Richard who is a successful golf coach in his own right.

Under David’s tutelage, many forged successful careers as tour players, coaches and club professionals.

David also served as president of the NSW PGA Section from 1966-69, providing leadership to his professional peers.

David was one of life’s true gentlemen, highlighted by his ability to positively influence all those around him.

He will be remembered as a much loved, revered and highly successful member of the PGA of Australia, an organisation of which he was a member for 68 years.

The golf industry’s thoughts are with his wife Barbara, son Richard, siblings John, Alex and Kevin, granddaughter Rebecca, grandsons Andrew, and Stewart and great grandchildren Hayden, Fletcher and Grace.

Vale, David Mercer.