It’s with much sadness we learned of the passing of renowned and respected TV golf journalist, Phil Leishman.
In this mass media era we now live, it’s embarrassing that it was only today we were informed of Phil’s untimely death given we have spent a few weeks away from tournament golf since being out in the Middle East for the staging of the three-event Desert Swing.
However a search of the internet confirmed Phil died nearly a week ago and after suffering a brain tumour last year.
Phil had spent the past 15 years of his career presenting and producing the Golf Show on New Zealand Sky Television, interviewing the world’s top golfers.
Phil Leishman and his wife, Michelle.
And while his manner was very laid back, a trait seemingly inherent in those born south of the equator, Phil commanded the highest respect of those he encountered throughout the golfing world.
We would bump into Phil often but mostly either in the Middle East or at tournaments in Asia.
He was always extremely friendly, very polite and always interested in your season, where you had been and also still anxious to pick your brain on current topics flowing about professsional golf.
And unlike many in this sometimes selfish line of work, Phil was never one to get carried away with his own self-importance. He was always so down to earth and unassuming. You’d see Phil all about tournaments conversing with everyone and anyone.
He adored playing the game of golf. He also adored his beloved his All Blacks. He was a proud New Zealander to the very core.
It is now wonderful to learn players and officials at last week’s NZ PGA Championship at The Hills, near Arrowtown, wore black ribbons as a mark of respect for Phil.
It’s seems grossly unfair but it seems it’s forever the nice guys in this golf reporting industry who seem get the far too early ‘call’ to the great fairway in the sky.
Heading out to the final handful of events in Asia this year, and in coming years, just won’t be the same knowing Phil’s smiling face will not be around anymore.
Our thoughts and our prayers go out to Phil’s wife, Michelle and their three children.
