Her tragic passing at 36 from cancer was noted in this lovely European Tour write-up, and while nothing about losing such a young, valued member of the golf world and planet earth can be spun in a positive light, I did get a nice smile imaging her getting coaching from Poulter. What a scene that must have been:
As the Tour’s Media Relations Co-ordinator for the past 12 years, Kate was a hugely popular figure amongst staff and players, but also amongst the journalists and broadcasters she worked with in media centres around the world.
Known affectionately as ‘Wrighty’, Kate was an accomplished golfer at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club, in Bedfordshire, England, where she was coached as a youngster by future Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter.
After graduating from Staffordshire University with a BA Hons in Journalism, Kate initially worked in cricket, another sport she had a passion for, taking the role of Media Relations Assistant for England & Wales Cricket Board in 2006 before joining the European Tour’s Media Department in January 2008.
She quickly became a familiar and popular face in Media Centres as the main point of contact for all accredited international media and broadcasters and, through her role, helping to co-ordinate European Tour press conferences.
Kate passed away at her family home in Great Brickhill with parents Brian and Sue and her cat Frankie at her side.
She will be missed in so many ways and for those visiting from afar, the European Tour will never be quite the same without Kate. From her boss and friend, Scott Crockett:
“While we all feel a sense of loss right now, it is incomparable to what her dad Brian and mum Sue are going through. It goes without saying our hearts go out to them and that the thoughts of everyone at the European Tour who knew Kate and worked with her over the years are with them now. RIP Wrighty.”
Some of the tributes, starting with Tommy Fleetwood, naturally:
So sad to hear that Kate has lost her battle with cancer. She was a huge supporter of golf, always quick witted and not shy on telling you what she thought 🤣A strong character that will be sorely missed. Condolences to the Wright family. RIP Kate.
— Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) August 18, 2020There are times when life isn’t fair! This is one of those times. R.I.P. Kate Wright of the @EuropeanTour Was hoping for more good times together, more of you taking the P out of me, and beating me 5&4 while knocking it 20 yards past me. Gone too young but NEVER forgotten.....
— Alistair Tait (@GolfTait) August 18, 2020Desperately sad news from @EuropeanTour that the ultimate brilliant wonderfully helpful full of joy incredibly cheeky absolute diamond Kate Wright passed away yesterday. No ways to describe how much she helped photographers and in fact every single one of the media family.
— David Cannon (@Cannonball63) August 19, 2020Very sad to hear that the lovely Kate Wright @EuropeanTour has passed away, at only 36 she was taken way too soon .. with both writers and photographers Kate was a pleasure to work with RIP pic.twitter.com/Cbp60WBbh1
— Trevor Martin (@TMPfoto) August 18, 2020Awful news about Kate Wright. A terrific @EuropeanTour press officer, a lovely person and a great competitor on the golf course as she proved when carrying me to 2 victories in AGW matches. Taken from us far too soon but leaves an indelible mark behind. RIP Wrighty.
— Colin Callander (@ColinCallander) August 18, 2020Sad day for everyone connected to @EuropeanTour
today following the death of Kate Wright. From first day I met "Wrighty", you could sense she had a passion for life but sport in particular and she became a great friend of @AGWgolfwriters. Cruel that she's been taken so young https://t.co/LJpnHouofo