Susan Lovatt (Sue), 65, of Holywell, died peacefully at home on August 24 following a battle with cancer.
Golf was one of the biggest parts of Susan’s life, with her love of the game beginning in childhood in Holywell and developing into a highly successful amateur career.
17-year-old golfer Susan Lovatt in 1978 (Image: Supplied)
She began playing at around the age of six and quickly demonstrated a natural talent, with family scrapbooks recording her competition successes from the age of just 10. Her ability and dedication saw her progress to become a scratch golfer, competing at the highest level of amateur golf.
Her grandfather, Trevor Fletcher, was closely associated with Holywell Golf Club and was the person who first introduced Susan to the game, teaching her how to play from a young age.
Susan Lovatt with her grandfather Trevor Fletcher, who was equally a prominent member of the Holywell Golf Club (Image: Supplied)
Susan became a member of Holywell Golf Club and, as her game developed and she began competing at a higher level, she also joined Prestatyn Golf Club, where she was able to further develop her skills on a longer championship course.
At her first Welsh Northern Counties girls’ golf tournament, at the age of 10, Susan made an immediate impression, winning the Lambert Cup for the best net score 105-36-69.
Susan Lovatt went on to become Flintshire County Champion in golf for numerous years (Image: Supplied)
She also took home the Purves and Carlene Trophies for the Under-16s and Under-14s categories respectively, the latter being played over nine holes.
Susan continued to compete as she grew older, going on to represent her county & Wales as an amateur international golfer at both junior and senior level. She enjoyed a highly successful career, winning numerous competitions and becoming Welsh Junior Champion on two separate occasions.
She was also crowned Flintshire County Champion numerous times over the years, further underlining her standing as one of the area’s leading amateur golfers.
Golf also played a part in bringing Susan and John together.
The pair met at Holywell Leisure Centre in the late 1980s, when John was involved in football as a referee and Susan was training for golf.
Holywell golfer Susan Lovatt is remembered by her family after a 3-year battle with cancer (Image: Supplied)
They would both be at the leisure centre on Fridays and it was there that Susan first struck up a conversation with him.
He recalled: “Her first words to me were, ‘Excuse me, how do you lower the seat? How do you adjust the seat on this bike?’
“And that was it from there.”
Her connection with Holywell Golf Club stretched back to childhood and remained an important part of her life throughout the years.
She even encouraged John to become a member, and the pair enjoyed many casual rounds together, including winning a mixed doubles club competition as a team. Completing the family line-up, James also became a member, making the club an even more special part of their family life.
Susan Lovatt with one of her golfing awards aged 14, 1976 (Image: Supplied)
Even after she was no longer an active member, that bond remained.
Following Susan’s death, John and James visited the club while arranging for the reception after her funeral to be held there.
When they arrived, the club’s flag was flying at half-mast in Susan’s memory.
John said: “She wasn’t a member at this point, but she still had that affinity with Holywell.”
European Lady Juniors, in Stockholm, Sweden, 1982. Susan centre left. (Image: Supplied)
A spokesperson for Holywell Golf Club said: “Sue was a member of Holywell Golf Club for over 30 years and within that time had many accolades; Welsh Junior Girl’s Champion (twice), 1976 Finalist British Championship, 1977/83/86 County Champion, 1987/89 Flintshire & Denbighshire Champion and also represented Wales at Junior & Senior levels.
“Sue was an inspiration to many golfers here at Holywell and across the counties and will be sorely missed by her friends and former competitors.”
Susan Lovatt will be missed greatly by her family and friends (Image: Supplied)
Susan eventually had to step away from playing as her mobility declined and she underwent hip replacements, with her golfing days coming to an end around 2020.
Away from the golf course, Susan was equally memorable for her warm and caring nature. Her family remembered her as someone who took a genuine interest in others, always making time for people.
She also had a deep love of animals, another reflection of her kind and compassionate character, and always took great pride in her appearance.
She worked caring for elderly people and she and John were foster carers from 2009 until 2019.
She also supported charities, including St Kentigern Hospice, and remained interested in helping charitable causes even while her own health declined.
John described her as “glamorous”, recalling how she would make an effort even for the most ordinary of outings.
“She wouldn’t go anywhere, even if she was just going for a walk or down the shop, without her lipstick on,” he said.
That continued throughout her cancer treatment.
Susan Lovatt and her husband John Lovatt married in 1991 and spent many happy years together (Image: Supplied)
Susan was diagnosed with cancer in January 2023 and underwent surgery before later learning the disease had returned and spread.
John said she continued arriving at chemotherapy and hospital appointments with her hair and make-up done and carefully chosen clothes.
Susan Lovatt with her son James and husband John (Image: Supplied)
“The staff would say to her, ‘Susan, you make cancer look glamorous’, and she loved that,” he said.
For Susan’s son James, 34, she was not only his mum but his closest friend. “Even towards the end, we promised each other that we would be best friends forever,” he said.
Susan with her son James Lovatt who she considered to be her best friend (Image: Supplied)
The pair shared a love of clothes, shopping, afternoon tea and trips to M&S for coffee. James said some of the memories he values most are the simplest ones.
“I just enjoyed going for coffee with her, watching a film at night or going out in the day. It was just everyday life.”
James and Susan often spent time together having afternoon tea, they shared a close bond (Image: Supplied)
Her funeral will take place at Northop Crematorium at 1pm on Wednesday, September 16.
Her family want the day to be a celebration of Susan’s life rather than a sombre occasion and have asked mourners not to wear full black.
Donations will support St Kentigern Hospice and the RSPCA, while the family also plans to make donations to animal charities including The Donkey Sanctuary, Guide Dogs and Cats Protection.