Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club flew its flag at half mast in tribute to a member who died while playing the game he loved.

Philip ‘Dusty’ Miller, 76, from Deal was playing a round with his step-son-in-law Dudley while on holiday in Bermuda when he collapsed on the green of Mid Ocean Golf Course.

Despite efforts to resuscitate the former Royal Marine Commando, he died on December 20 and has now been repatriated.

His partner Tina Guest remains abroad with family who they were staying with for the festive period. Her son Bob Guest, who led tributes, said: “He joked that if he had to go, it would be on a golf course.

"He said, ‘I’ll be happy to do that.’ It was something he enjoyed.

“He was a great friend, like an elder brother to me.

“Once you got to know him, he had a wicked sense of humour. He’ll be remembered for his wit.”

He played at Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

General manager Jonathon Webb said: “On behalf of the chairman, captain and all members, we’d like to say that Dusty will be sorely missed having been a loyal member of the club for many years.”

Mr Miller was born in Surrey in 1943 and came to Deal in 1959 when he joined the Royal Marines as a commando. He went on to serve in Aden, Borneo and Malaysia.

After 12 years, he joined Pfizer in Sandwich then worked for P&O Ferries as a loading manager until he retired.

His main passion was golf but he also enjoyed football and was delighted to have visited Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium last month.

Mr Miller was a volunteer barman at the RMA Club and a committee member. He was also a Freemason, associated to the Vitruvian Lodge in London and the Wellington Lodge in Deal.

All are welcome to his funeral at Barham Crematorium on Wednesday, January 22 at 10.40am followed by a gathering at the RMA Club.

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