A HEREFORD man who played golf with some of Hollywood’s biggest names has left behind a lasting legacy in Herefordshire.

Golf course designer Bob Sandow, who was club president of The Grove, played as a touring professional in Canada and the USA.

Bob, who lived in the Roman Road area of Hereford, died earlier this year, aged 89.

He played alongside the likes of Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson during his membership of the USPGA.

He met and played alongside Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Andy Williams and represented Canada in international matches.

Bob was the director of golf to the Shah of Iran and designed more than 170 golf courses throughout the world.

But Bob is best known in Herefordshire for having designed courses at The Grove, Belmont, the second nine holes at Leominster GC and Summerhill at Hay-on- Wye.

His widow and devoted partner for 21 years, Beryl, said: “Bob was one of life’s great characters, often larger than life. He will always be remembered with love and affection as a modest, kind and gentle man.”

Beryl, who formed the ladies’ section at The Grove and is the lady president, added: “Bob came to Hereford to do Belmont Golf Club and he fell in love with the county.”

As well as his love for golf, Bob was a flight lieutenant in the RAF and fought in the Battle of Britain, winning the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Bob became an assistant at Caernarvonshire Golf Club and turned a full-time professional in Newcastle in 1950.

After spells in Canada and the USA, a back injury restricted’s Bob golfing career.

He turned his attention to golf course design and graduated from university in Ontario with a degree in horticulture and agronomy.

He worked with Robert Trent Jones, one of the world’s leading golf course architects.

His first course in Canada was at Glenshields and he became the director of golf to the Shah of Iran.

“For years he lived the dream, creating a beautiful green and lush course from bare desert island,” said Beryl.

“With the revolution in 1978 and the arrival of Ayatollah Khomeini, Bob fled Iran, leaving behind a fortune and his dreams shattered.”

Bob returned to the UK and designed golf courses throughout the country.

He was convinced that system-built nine-hole courses were the way forward for Pay As You Play golf.

Owner of the The Grove, Roger Helme, said Bob was the god father to his middle daughter, Charlotte.

“Bob adopted this county and was a great ambassador for us. He was remarkable and still active in his work until six months before he died.”

Beryl said: “Bob has left behind a wonderful legacy - beautiful and exciting golf courses for golfers to enjoy for years to come.”