Bexhill-born golf legend dies at 88

The British Open champion of 1951, passed away in hospital near his home at Pulborough, on Saturday.

Perhaps Bexhill's most famous sporting son, a commemorative plaque celebrating his exploits still sits on the promenade near the De La Warr Pavilion - next to the putting green, naturally.

Max was born in Havelock Road, on July 29, 1916.

Although he only lived in the town for a brief time during his early childhood, a family member revealed to the Observer Max's long-standing, "love of the seaside."

Dubbed the "Clown Prince of Golf" for his sense of humour, he is often hailed as one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation.

Victories included the Dunlop Open Championship from 1949 to 1952 and a PGA Match Play title in 1953.

He played Ryder Cup golf for Britain from 1947 to 1957.

His crowning glory was the Open victory at Royal Portrush in 1951. He remains one of only four Englishmen to win the Open in more than half a century.

"He could have played football or cricket for England as well," said his son, Guy Faulkner. "He could have turned his hand to anything, he was just a natural sportsman."

He told the Observer the immense pride his father felt when, in 1999, councillors agreed to erect the seaside plaque in his honour.

"He was very, very, proud of that - delighted.

"He wanted to go and see it again, but unfortunately we were not able to."

Max was almost as well known for the stories he would tell about his experiences on the golfing circuit.

Guy said: "He was so interesting to talk to and just a very funny man. He would just start talking about things that had happened to him and you would be falling off your chair with laughter by the time he got into the swing of things."

His Open win remains the subject of one of the most famous golfing anecdotes of all time.

Legend has it when a young autograph hunter asked him for his signature, he wrote: "Max Faulkner, 1951 Open champion." And that was ahead of the final round!

But he was by no means an arrogant man.

Guy added: "The major competitions for him were the Open, the Dunlop Open and the News of the World Matchplay event.

"His ambition was to win those three tournaments and play in the Ryder Cup.

"Once he had done that he just decided to enjoy himself when he played.

"He found he could earn enough to live on and wasn't bothered about becoming a millionaire on anything like that - though he was keen on cars."

Despite his advancing years, Max only laid down his clubs a year ago and on one memorable occasion shot a round of 74 - at the grand old age of 83!

He was awarded the OBE in 2001 for services to golf.

But Max remained an unsung hero in the town until a local man, Tony Pont, campaigned for the permanent memorial to be erected.

Mr Pont's widow Barbara Pont, said: "I'm very sorry about Max, it's very sad. I don't think people here knew exactly what a legend he was and I don't think enough people knew about it - I suppose time goes on."

Max leaves behind wife Joan and children Guy, Hilary and John.