Fran Quinn Sr. dies at 74 – Golf News
Veteran golfer Fran Quinn Sr. passed away on Monday, after fighting a protracted illness. He was 74 at the time of his death. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the mid of year 2010.
Golf players, officials and known figures from various walks of life mourned his death, a statement said.
Saddened fans also called his demise ‘an end of a great era’ in the history of the sport. They said that his services for the promotion and development of the game will be long remembered.
Quinn won the Horn blower and the New England Amateur in his career. Moreover, he won four Wаchusett Four-Ball titles paired with Bill Cоsgrоve, Jim Sullivаn and his son Fran Jr. at different occasions.
He was known for his long hitting and clutch putting. According to his sons, he could have played on higher levels. However, he preferred his family and focused more on the sport.
He had seven children, five sons and two daughters. Fran Jr., Brian and Kevin each won the Mass. Open, Chris was a club champion at the Worcester Country Club and Patrick, youngest of all, is а single-digit handicap.
“It all goes back to him instilling the belief in us that no matter what your dreams are,” Fran Jr. said, “you keep dreaming and if you work hard enough you can attain them”.
Meanwhile, Marry Ann was a renowned gymnast at Algonquin Regional and the younger daughter, Erin, played field hockey representing Notre Dame Academy.
Following the 1981 Mass. Amateur, he gave up competitive golf and decided to sit outside, watching his sons playing.
Brian said after his demise that the best gift that he received from his father was the time that he used to spend with his family.
“Watching him being a great dad and also play at a high level was something all of us took away,” Fran Jr. said.
He went on, “It taught us how to practice. It wasn't quantity, it was quality. I remember matches when was down. There was never any give-up”.
Whenever Fran Jr. used to play on the PGA Tour or the Nationwide Tour, Quinn used to call him after each round he played.
During his conversation, he used to give him tips on how he could make improvements in the upcoming rounds.
Quinn’s wife Carol said that she never felt as if his game ever affected his family life. In fact, his priority had always been his family.
Appreciating their father’s contribution to the sport, Quinn’s sons said he will be missed forever, especially when their sons will be playing on the course and he will not be there to support them.
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