EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to Dave Norbury, a hugely successful Crompton and Royton golfer, who was killed in a road accident in Halkidiki, Greece, earlier this month.
The 56-year-old from Shaw was crossing a road with his wife Wanda, son John and daughter Sophia when he was struck by a vehicle. They were returning to their hotel after a meal.
Wanda suffered minor injuries but John, 19, a former junior captain at Crompton and Royton, and Sophia, escaped unhurt.
News of Dave’s death came as a shock to members of the High Barn club.
Friend of 30 years Paul Finigan dedicated his victory in the Holden Cup, a club major, to Dave whose life was immersed in golf. He even lived overlooking the 16th green.
Dave, a three-handicap golfer and a category one player for more than 20 years, had won 14 majors at the club as well as the Oldham and District Team Championship and Anniversary Salver, the nett event for the Royton Sword.
Crompton and Royton remains synonymous with the Norbury family. Brother Dion is also an accomplished player as was their father Jim.
Paul said: “Dave was a huge character who will be sadly missed by many people.
“His golfing prowess was legendary and he was a fierce competitor. He played with intensity and with great attention to detail.
“Dave was always neat, whether it be his golf bag which was always organised or his dress which was immaculate.
“While he was a fierce competitor, he would always help you.”
Paul also revealed his friendship was also away from golf.
He continued: “My link extended beyond golf as Dave’s son and daughter are the same age as my children and went to the same schools.
“We would meet up at school awards and football matches. I was in contact with Dave nearly every day whether it be about golf or football.”
Dave and Paul were also members of a four-strong group which also comprised Andy Clarke and Andy Frizzell. They went on regular golf trips playing some of the country’s top courses, often taking part in competitions.
Paul admitted making the first after Dave’s death was difficult as he used to do all the driving.
Dave was semi-retired but still did some training of executives of blue-chip companies in business planning and sales motivation.
He was hired by clients, some overseas, to maximise potential in HP and performance.