The former CEO of PGAs of Europe, Sandy Jones, has passed away. The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) reported the saddening news on their website and social media on November 28. Notably, the reason for his death is unknown.
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“This is a very sad day for the Association,” Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of the PGA stated. “Sandy led The PGA for more than 25 years,” he continued, “instigating significant change and improvement to the way the Association was run.”
Furthermore, Maxfield added, “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.”
Notably, Jones stepped down as the chairman of the PGAs of Europe in 2018 after serving in the post for twenty-five years. He started decorating the CEO post in 1991 and the chairman in 1994. He has also served as the President of the Golf Foundation and a chairman of The Ryder Cup Trust.
Read more: 2023 Ryder Cup Captains: Here’s How Their Careers Stack Up Against Each Other
Moreover, the University of Birmingham awarded an honorary doctorate to him in 2009 for outstanding services to sport and golf. His contributions to the golf world have helped it become a great sport.
The current CEO of the Association also concluded his statement with a thank you note on the website. It read, “he was respected and admired by many, and the Association owes him a huge debt of gratitude.”
Golf world’s reaction to the former PGA CEO’s death
As a board member of the Ryder Cup Trust, Sandy Jones had a great involvement in developing and promoting it into the prestigious event it is now. Therefore, Ryder Cup Europe was one of the first to convey its condolences for his demise.
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
We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former PGA chief, Sandy Jones.
Sandy made a significant impact to the world of golf through his work with the PGA, Golf Foundation and the Ryder Cup. He leaves a lasting legacy to our sport. https://t.co/654efTlxfU
— Scottish Golf (@ScottishGolf) November 28, 2022
We are incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Sandy Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and everyone associated with The PGA https://t.co/RB2aBTG6UR
— TGI Golf Partnership (@TGI_Golf) November 28, 2022
Many golf reporters, broadcasters, and publications also chose to share their heartfelt messages through their social media profiles to show their sorrow. While some of them shared their memories with him, some mentioned how big of a loss the golf world has now with Jones’ death.
Very sad news. RIP Sandy Jones https://t.co/YfLvQ3upvT
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) November 28, 2022
More very sad news this morning. My great friend Sandy Jones has passed away. A wonderful servant to golf for many years. Linda and I spent many happy hogmanays with Sandy and Chris at Andrew Fairleys @Gleneagleshotel . Happy days . RIP old friend and love to Chris.
— Dougie Donnelly (@dougiedonnelly) November 28, 2022
Privileged to spend time with Sandy Jones @rydercup in 1987 & 1991. Wonderful man with a spirit & passion equal to his business acumen & vision. The @RyderCup @ThePGA wouldn’t be what it is today without his guidance.
Condolences to Sandy’s family & many friends. #RIPSandyJones https://t.co/qWlMaMN5OS— Rick Young 🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@YoungerGolf) November 28, 2022
Notably, many active professional golfers and former players showed respect to Jones with their messages. The list of players to express their sadness through social media includes Denmark-born Thomas Bjørn and Paul Lowrie.
This is really sad.
Sandy was a great man for golf…
His love for the game and the teachings of our game came through in every conversation I had with him over the years.
Such an integral part of The Ryder Cup,
He’ll be missed by many
RIP https://t.co/3piwyVusBY— Thomas Bjørn (@thomasbjorngolf) November 28, 2022
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
Not just golf professionals but even the fans of the sport worldwide came together to pay their respect to the PGA legend.
Very sad news. My sincere condolences to his family. A great man for golf. RIP Sandy Jones.
— Andy Leigh (@AndyLeighTweets) November 28, 2022
Sandy will be sadly missed by all PGA professionals. He did an amazing job and was the driving force behind the Tartan Tour which gave so many Scottish pros the opportunity to play for a living. RIP Sandy and thank you for everything you did for us.
— David Thomson (@pro1thomson) November 28, 2022
Very sad news, Sandy was a lovely man and a great ambassador for gold. May he rest in peace.
— Karen Lunn (@KazLunn) November 28, 2022
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I was lucky to spend some time in his company an amazing raconteur and a wonderful man who created some great memories for me. Sad loss thoughts with his family
— rafe bateson (@rafeb7) November 28, 2022
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Sandy Jones may have parted ways with the world. However, his contributions to golf will always make him live among each golf lovers.
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