TONY Rees admits it will be an emotional day when he finally steps down after spending more than half a century as a permanent fixture on the Oxfordshire golfing scene.

A stay of 56 years at Oxford Golf Club makes him one of the world’s longest-serving PGA professionals.

But retirement is now in sight and he will sign off at the end of February shortly after turning 75 to make room for his assistant, Joe Pepperell, to take over the reins.

It has been an unforgettable stint for Rees, who admitted the prospect of such a long tenure never crossed his mind when arriving at the Southfield club in 1959.

“Golf pros often have a short lifespan at clubs and then they move on,” he said.

“I think the key to it is down to being one of the members, mixing and having fun with them – they’ve been very supportive.

“I think I’m looking forward to retiring. Over the last couple of days other pros have been ringing me up to congratulate me.

“I think the last day will be an emotional one for me, but I will do my best not to cry.”

Incredibly, Pepperell will become just the third head professional in the club’s 110-year history.

The 25-year-old, from Abingdon, has been Rees’s deputy for the past seven years and acknowledges they will be big shoes to fill.

He said: “Following in Tony’s footsteps is a challenge.

“I’ve learnt a lot from him about the traditions here and he’s been a great servant for the club and golf in the local area.

“I’d be surprised if I was here in 56 years’ time, but it just shows what type of club it is.”

Top of his agenda will be on increasing participation among youngsters in the area.

He intends to work with local schools and plans to rope in younger brother Eddie, now into his third season on the European Tour.

Joe said: “We got a good opportunity at a young age for junior golf. I’m very passionate about that as a coach and I know Eddie is as well.”

Rees, who lives in Chalgrove, intends to spend plenty of time with his eight grandchildren and believes the club will be in safe hands.

He said: “Like myself, Joe will be one of the club.

“I think he will do an excellent job. He’s a nice lad and everyone likes him.”