BIGGA mourns PGA's Sandy Jones

Everyone at BIGGA was saddened to hear of the death of Sandy Jones, long-time chief executive of the Professional Golfers’ Association.

 

Sandy, a talented golfer in his own right, joined the staff of the PGA in 1980, becoming chief executive in 1991 and holding the position for over 25 years. In that time he was instrumental in the growth of the PGA and also played a key role in the modernisation and development of the Ryder Cup. He always took an international approach and was proud of the growth and success of the PGA’s of Europe and the instigation of the PGA World Alliance.

Always popular as a public speaker, Sandy retired from the PGA in 2017 but remained active in his support of the Golf Foundation, a cause very close to his heart.

BIGGA’s chief executive officer, Jim Croxton, worked for the PGA for a number of years prior to joining BIGGA and paid the following tribute: “Sandy was an incredibly charismatic and visionary leader, it was a privilege to work for and with him for the 16 years I spent at the PGA.

“His achievements, particularly in terms of the PGA’s involvement in the Ryder Cup and in driving the PGA’s brand and appreciation of its members globally, were extraordinary. A key part of his success was the stability provided by his long-term working relationship with PGA Chairman Philip Weaver, who also sadly passed away earlier in 2022. It is a tragedy to have lost two such figureheads in a matter of months.

“While operating at an extremely high level, Sandy always retained an affinity with those who work at the coalface of golf. Even when I was the most junior member of staff in the whole team, Sandy was always approachable and keen to talk about golf. In 2006 Sandy was the prime mover in the formation of the Golf Club Management Partnership, an agreement between the PGA, BIGGA and the GCMA to promote the importance of the golf club workforce to the success of the sport.

“On taking my role at BIGGA, I always felt we had a strong ally in Sandy, He was well-known to greenkeepers and believed firmly in their value to the golf industry.

“May I offer heartfelt condolences to his wife Christine and all his many friends around the world.”