A skilled golfer has left the world too soon.
Matt McQuillan, a Canadian pro player who made his debut in the PGA Tour in 2011, died Aug. 5 at Kingston General Hospital in Kingston, Ontario, his family confirmed. He was 45.
“It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Matthew Justin McQuillan (Matty to most),” his family <a href="https://thewhig.remembering.ca/obituary/matthew-justin-mcquillan-1093952997″ rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>wrote in an obituary published Aug. 8. “Matty was a respected golfer, devoted son, hilarious brother, and friend. His father,Mark, started teaching him how to swing the club at the young age of ten and his passion and talent grew immensely.”
Indeed, McQuillan—who went pro in 2003—earned his PGA Tour card in 2010 through qualifying school. The following year, McQuillan marked his strongest year as a player. He shot a final-round 64 to tie for third place in the John Deere Classic and earned just under $600,000 during the season.
McQuillan competed in a total of 32 events in the PGA Tour, as well as 23 events in the PGA Tour Canada and 11 events in the Korn Ferry Tour. He played his final year of professional golf in 2017, according to the PGA website.
read
Influencer Sydney Towle Dead at 26 After Rare Cancer Battle
In more recent years, McQuillan stepped back from playing professionally and opted to teach. As his family noted in his obituary, he “developed lifelong friendships while mentoring anyone who loved the game of golf.”
“He will be deeply missed by many and his spirit, love and compassion will be remembered every day,” his family added in the obituary. “Rest easy, Matty. We love you.”
Following McQuillan’s passing, many of his loved ones shared tributes for him, nodding to his skills on the course as well as his good-heartedness.
“He was so selfless and always willing to offer tips and advice,” a friend shared on McQuillan’s memorial website. “He loved bantering about golf and sharing laughs after each round. He was universally beloved by all the guys in our golf group and enjoyed playing with everyone”
The friend expressed that they will remember McQuillan as “a kind, quiet gentle soul.”
“He left his stamp on the great game of golf with accomplishments no one in the history of our city has ever come close to,” they added, “and likely never will.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
