Paul Stoner, chairman, and WILLIAM BECK, president, Malta Golf Association, write:

Alex joined the Royal Malta Golf Club in the early 1970s and almost immediately became involved in committee work. In 1979 he became the club's fourth Maltese Captain.

Over the years he got involved in numerous club projects and contributed to the modern day transformation of the course and facilities. He helped in the organisation of various competitions and arranged Malta's first participation in the R&A Junior Open and the Mediterranean Games.

His vision on how to defend the game we play was pure and simple: there is nothing and no one bigger than the Royal Malta Golf Club; there is nothing and no one bigger than the Rules of Golf.

As secretary, he was instrumental to secure the club's financial and administrative governance.

As a founder member of the Malta Golf Association, Alex established the first links with various international golf institutions, including the R&A and International Golf Federation. In 1998, he became Malta's first R&A qualified referee and was also a member of the Association of Golf Club Secretaries.

In competition he achieved moderate success, winning the Wedgwood on two occasions and The Scratch Challenge Cup in 1997. His favourite matchplay game was the Malta vs The Rest competition when he seized the opportunity and the relish to take a dig at the club's ex-pats membership.

In 2007 and in recognition of a long and distinguished service to the club, Alex was honoured as a Life President. The previous year the Malta Golf Association bestowed to Alex its Honorary Membership.

Alex was always convinced that he was right in everything that he did for the club and for the game and argued with everybody regarding this, but fought with nobody.

The golfing community has lost one of its stalwart pillars but Alex's spirit will live forever in the game of golf in Malta.

Fast greens Alex, fast greens.