I’m excited to share the remarkable story of Fraser Beach, a lifelong sports enthusiast whose journey has taken him from teaching tennis to celebrities like Elton John to winning golf championships while battling cancer.
Fraser has truly seen it all, and his love for sports and competition continues to drive him forward.
Fraser studied Law at the London School of Economics before switching faculties and moving to Los Angeles in 1979. There, he studied Child Psychology at UCLA on a tennis scholarship.
This profile was adapted from the August 17, 2024 Senior Golf Source newsletter and reflects the information shared at that time.
Fraser Beach at a Glance
- Member: Fraser Beach
- Original newsletter profile: August 17, 2024
- Home base or golf connection: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
- Profile focus: Competing Through Life’s Toughest Challenge
Fraser Beach’s Golf Story
His talent on the court led him to turn professional in 1982, playing tennis across the United States on the Satellite and Challenger Tours.
After the LA Olympics in 1985, Fraser returned home and established his own Tennis School and Academy in Northern Germany, where he coached until he sold the business and retired in 2012. In addition to Elton John, Fraser also taught top women’s players Alonya and Katernya Bondarenko from Ukraine, both of whom were ranked in the top 30 during their careers.
In the winter of 2013, Fraser decided to take on a new challenge: learning golf. Having played football (soccer) at a top amateur level in his youth and after a successful career in professional tennis, Fraser finds golf to be the hardest game he’s ever played.
Despite the difficulty, he quickly became an avid golfer, playing 3 to 5 times a week, depending on the season. Fraser plays for the exercise, the banter, and the friendly competition. He believes the key to having fun in golf is simple: lower your expectations, and you’ll enjoy the game more.
At 64 years old, Fraser lives in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in the south of England. He’s had the opportunity to play on some of the world’s top 100 courses, including Torrey Pines in San Diego, The Grove in London, and Hankley Common.
Fraser is currently playing with Callaway Rogue clubs, a Big Bertha driver, stiff shaft Callaway wedges, and a beautiful Yes putter (and yes, it’s actually called that).
He’s a member of the charming Avington Park Golf Club in Winchester, Hampshire, a small but gorgeous club that Fraser holds dear.
Fraser’s life took an unexpected turn about four months ago (2024) when, during a routine check-up, he was diagnosed with cancer. The cancer has spread from his colon into both liver lobes, making it inoperable at the moment.
Fraser is currently undergoing treatment with steroids and chemotherapy, with four sessions planned before a scan will determine if the tumor has shrunk enough to be removed.
Despite these challenges, Fraser’s determination on the golf course remains unwavering. Perhaps most amazing is his recent win in his senior club championship while fighting stage 4 cancer—a true reflection of his resilience and love for the game.
Golf, Life and Perspective
Fraser’s motto: “Lower your expectations, then you won’t get so upset in life,” reflects his realistic and resilient outlook.
His story is a powerful example of the passion and strength that sports can inspire, whether on the tennis court, the football field, or the golf course. Fraser’s love for the game continues to drive him forward, no matter the challenges he faces.
We appreciate Fraser Beach taking the time to share this story with the Senior Golf Source community.
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