‘Much-loved’ golfer, 69, dies after being struck in the head by a ball at his favourite course
- Rod Gurney was hit by a ball at Portalington Golf Club, in Victoria, on Tuesday
- The ‘much-loved’ 69-year-old’s condition deteriorated and he died on Saturday
- The grandfather-of-five has been remembered by as a ‘dedicated family man’
A ‘much-loved’ golfer who died after a freak accident at his favourite course has been remembered as a ‘dedicated family man’.
Rod Gurney, 69, was competing in a tournament at the Portalington Golf Club, in Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula region, on Tuesday when he was struck in the head with a ball.
He died in hospital on Saturday after his condition deteriorated throughout the week.
Rod Gurney, 69, (pictured) died after being hit in the head with a golf ball at Portalington Golf Club on Tuesday
‘It is with immense sadness that Portarlington Golf Club advises that Rod Gurney, a much-loved member, has passed away,’ a club statement read.
Mr Gurney was taken off the course and to the clubhouse to be treated by paramedics who then took him home.
He was taken to Geelong Hospital later that day after his condition worsened before being transferred to Melbourne Hospital.
Mr Gurney, a father-of-three and grandfather-of-five, died ‘peacefully’ in hospital surrounded by loved ones, the club said.
His heartbroken family have remembered him as a ‘dedicated family man who loved watching the Geelong Cats, playing golf and travelling in his caravan’.
Mr Gurney was rushed to hospitalafter his condition deteriorated before sadly passing away on Saturday. Pictured: Portalington Golf Club
‘Although this death was tragic and sudden we are heartened to know that he passed doing something he loved,’ the family told the Herald Sun.
‘As a family, we understand that accidents happen during competitive sport and our hearts go out to his Portarlington golf mates and those who witnessed the incident.
The family said Mr Gurney had watched his favourite team defeat the Brisbane Lions, played with his granddaughter, and looked forward to his Tuesday game of golf in the days before his death.
The Golf Club is supporting the members and staff directly involved in the accident and providing counselling.
