Tributes paid to PGA stalwart Sandy Jones following his death at age of 75

The PGA has led the tributes to former chief executive Sandy Jones who has passed away at the age of 75.

Jones, a former Press and Journal columnist, had an association with the PGA stretching back to 1980 when he was appointed regional secretary for Scotland.

He was appointed chief executive of the association in 1991 and held the post for 25 years.

Robert Maxfield, chief executive of The PGA, said: “This is a very sad day for the association.

“Sandy led The PGA for more than 25 years, instigating significant change and improvement to the way the association was run.

“Through his work with the Ryder Cup, the PGA World Alliance and the PGAs of Europe, he was a significant figure in world golf as well in Great Britain and Ireland.

“He was respected and admired by many and the association owes him a huge debt of gratitude.”

Jones played a huge role in expanding Ryder Cup

Glaswegian Jones was also a president of the Golf Foundation and chairman of the Ryder Cup Trust.

The PGA is the founding partner of the Ryder Cup and, as a board member, Jones is recognised for the pivotal role he played in developing the match into one of the largest sporting events in the world, introducing a charitable arm enabling revenues from the Ryder Cup to develop the game.

Everyone associated with Ryder Cup Europe is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sandy Jones. Sandy was integral in helping the Ryder Cup develop into the global sporting occasion we know it to be today, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. https://t.co/OAFSkDBIYg

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) November 28, 2022

In 2009 Jones was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Birmingham for outstanding services to sport and golf.

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie paid his own tribute on social media, writing: “Really sad to hear of the passing of Sandy Jones, was a huge figure in the game and was very good to me when I was coming through the ranks. RIP Sandy.”

Really sad to hear of the passing of Sandy Jones, was a huge figure in the game and was very good to me when I was coming through the ranks. RIP Sandy. pic.twitter.com/WrWLC6I9r5

— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) November 28, 2022