A magnetic write head for heat assisted magnetic recording having a novel heat sink structure. The write head includes a magnetic write pole and a thermal transducer located adjacent to a leading edge of the magnetic write pole. A heat sink structure, constructed of a non-magnetic, thermally conductive material such as Au, Ag or Cu partially surrounds the magnetic write pole. The heat sink structure can be formed to contact first and second sides of the magnetic write pole, and can be recessed from the media facing surface of the write head. The space between the heat sink structure and the media facing surface can be filled with a physically hard, non-corrosive metal.