FREDDIE PARSONS, one of Hampshire golf's great administrative innovators of the 20th century, has died after a short illness.

Hampshire's longest serving president - Parsons held office between 1988 and 1994 - did much to restructure the county union council as well as laying the foundations for the reorganisation of junior golf in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.

While he was president, Keith Maplesden moved in as secretary and Tommy Flinn as junior organiser, and between them they streamlined the county administration at club, senior and junior level.

Parsons had a distinguished Army career, aspiring to the rank of lieutenant colonel and being awarded an MBE.

He was a former captain and president at his local North Hants club where he met Justin Rose and played a part in the boy's development into one of the most confident and presentable young players on the county scene.

Parsons, who leaves a wife Marjorie, was 94.