The countdown to The 42^nd Ryder Cup gets under way in earnest today, as ticket registration for the greatest team competition in golf opens.

The drama, tension, camaraderie and sportsmanship of one of the world’s greatest sporting contests returns from September 25-30 2018, when 24 of the finest players from Europe and the USA go head-to-head at Le Golf National in Paris.

The only way to secure your tickets to support Captain Thomas Bjørn and Team Europe as The Ryder Cup arrives in France for the first time, is to create an official Ryder Cup ticket account at rydercup.com/tickets.

Fans have until the beginning of September to create an account, before tickets go on sale on a first come, first served basis.  As well as the match days from September 28-30, tickets for the three practice days from September 25-27 will also be available. For more information on the ticket process, including ticket types and pricing visit rydercup.com/tickets.

Thousands of fans made the journey to Gleneagles in 2014 to get behind Team Europe as they claimed their third consecutive victory.

Demand amongst the European contingent is expected to be high once again when The Ryder Cup returns to mainland Europe for the first time since 1997 – and the Seve Ballesteros-inspired victory at Valderrama – as Bjørn and his players vie to take back the trophy won by Team USA at Hazeltine National last year.

Bjørn knows a thing or two about the passion and intensity of The Ryder Cup, with three appearances as a player and four as a vice captain already under his belt.

The Dane, who was the first player from his homeland to be selected for The Ryder Cup, is in no doubt about the role supporters play in the event.

He said: “One of the things that makes The Ryder Cup so special is the passion for this great contest from the public. Fans play a huge part in the success of The Ryder Cup, and nothing in golf is more exciting than feeling that support from the crowd at a home match.

“With the ticketing process now open, it reminds us all that the next 18 months will pass by before we know it. I know that fans around Europe will be as excited about the match as I am and I urge everyone to register for tickets and get behind the team.”

The only way to purchase tickets for The 42^nd Ryder Cup is by creating a ticket account at rydercup.com/tickets.

Due to high demand, creating a ticket account does not guarantee tickets, however only those with an account will be able to access the first come, first served sale.

Details of PGA Member Ticketing will be released to all qualifying Member Country PGAs shortly

Four-person teams of three amateurs and a PGA Professional will descend upon BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas, and have the opportunity to play some of the most stunning golf courses in Europe. Professionals will compete over 54 holes for a prize fund of €25,000*.

The opening two rounds will be played at the Gary Player-designed Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, and the Ian Woosnam-designed Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort. The final round will then move to BlackSeaRama’s own Gary Player design, par 72, cliff-top links course.

Last year’s event was a thrilling contest and was won by PGA of Spain Professional, Carlos Rodiles. The Spaniard carded a final round 69 (-3) to finish on six-under par (209) and claim his first Confederation of Professional Golf Sanctioned Event victory.

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There is no fee for a PGA Professional bringing a team of three amateurs, and amateur packages begin at €970 per person:

• 5-night accommodation and complimentary airport transfer from/to Varna Airport
• Lavish Buffet Breakfast included every day; Coffee, tea and Water in the Villas, Limited Mini-bar
• Individual Professional Prize Fund of 25,000 EUR (*based on 25 teams competing)
• Opening Cocktail Reception
• 3 tournament days green fees @ BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas, Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort and Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort (transfers included)
• Halfway house food during all tournament rounds
• Two Thematic Dinner Events
• Prize giving ceremony with Gala Dinner
• Free use of Fitness Center, Infrared and Finnish Sauna, Jacuzzi, Billiard, Table Tennis, Pools, Steam Bath and Relax zone, Wi-Fi Internet

Full package information can be found at proam.blacksearama.com/packages.

For More Information & To Enter Visit http://eur.pe/2017BlackSeaRama

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/2017BlackSeaRama) or proam.blacksearama.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#BlackSeaRama’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information on BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas visit www.BlackSeaRama.com.

Due to the number of people enquiring about the memorial people are requested to register with Charlotte Duffain at the European Tour – cduffain@europeantour.com.

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“It has been fantastic,” said Little after a final round of 73 (+1) moved him to seven-under (281), 12-shots clear of the rest of the field. “I played solid all week…and Pinehurst has been a dream venue for me to come and play.

“To play on a golf course where guys have won the US Open is a great experience and I loved every minute of it.”

There was a tie for second between the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland’s, Darren Bragg, and the PGA of America’s, Troy Helseth, both of whom finished on five-over (293).

“I played well for two days and played okay for the other two days,” explained Helseth. “To be able to play a Donald Ross course here was unbelievable.”

Bragg carded the best round of the day, a four-under 68, which included a remarkable hole-in-one on the par 3 17th.

“I am completely speechless,” said Bragg. “To get a hole-in-one on Pinehurst No.2, on the last day of the event is an unbelievable feeling.”

The team of Helseth and amateurs David Robinson, Dennis Rosenblum and Vic Cohen, ran away with the Pro-Am Competition, finishing with 346 points (-58).

Team Cutting were a distant second on 327 points (-39), with Team Little a further three points behind.

For Full Final Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017Pinehurst

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#GolfbreaksPinehurstProAm’ or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

To find out more about Golfbreaks.com visit http://www.golfbreaks.com/pga-pro.

The Englishman [pictured, right] was once again in scintillating form, carding five birdies on the day, and finds himself with a three-round total of 208 (-8). In second place, on one-over (217), is PGA of America Professional, Troy Helseth.

In the Pro-Am Competition, Helseth and his team have stretched their lead to 20 points, after their -15 round moves them to 265 points (-49). Team Cutting are their closest pursuers, but have it all to do as the final round moves to the iconic No.2 Course.

For Full Round 03 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017Pinehurst

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#GolfbreaksPinehurstProAm’ or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

To find out more about Golfbreaks.com visit http://www.golfbreaks.com/pga-pro.

The former European Tour Member held a two-shot lead overnight and was the only player to shoot under par on the No. 9 Course at Pinehurst Resort, USA. His closest pursuer, but a distant second on three-over is the PGA of America’s Troy Helseth.

However, Helseth and his team continue to lead the Pro-Am Competition on 178 points (-34) after they scored a second round of 84 points (-12). They have a 16-point cushion over Team Little going into Round 03 of the Pro-Am, which moves to the No. 4 Course.

For Full Round 02 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017Pinehurst

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#GolfbreaksPinehurstProAm’ or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

To find out more about Golfbreaks.com visit http://www.golfbreaks.com/pga-pro.

A strong four-under par 68 on the Jack Nicklaus-designed No. 9 Course saw him take the early initiative with a two-shot cushion over his nearest rival, the PGA of America’s Troy Helseth, who signed for a two-under par 70.

In the Team Pro-Am competition it was a role reversal, with Team Helseth taking the lead after a scintillating 94 points (-22). Even a double eagle by Team Little on the par five 10th, with amateur Nick Lines matching Sam’s Eagle efforts couldn’t close the gap.

The early pace setters hold an eight-point lead over Team Little going into Round 02 that will be held on the Tom Fazio-designed No. 8 course.

For Full Round 01 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017Pinehurst

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#GolfbreaksPinehurstProAm’ or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

To find out more about Golfbreaks.com visit http://www.golfbreaks.com/pga-pro.

“It was a tough day today – I struggled a bit,” said Shave, after his one-over final round of 74 gave him a three-round total of 210 (-7). “It was really windy and I made a double bogey down the fourth…but I’m glad to get the job done with a birdie at the last.”

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Shave opened with an excellent six-under round of 67: “It helped me out a lot really, because I wasn’t that great over the last two days!”

Having been runner-up in the event last year, the Englishman was ultimately a solid winner this time around and hopes to use the success as a springboard going into the rest of the year:

“I’m just glad to be playing a bit better than I have been for the last few years…I’m starting to enjoy it a little bit more and hopefully I can press on and get some decent results.”

Finishing in second, with a total of 217 (E) is the PGA of Poland’s Lukasz Szadny, after he carded a one-over round of 74. The Polish Professional started the day seven shots behind Shave in a tie for second, but was unable to close the gap on the eventual winner.

A further two shots behind and completing the top three is Joost Steenkamer (PGA of Holland), who finished on two-over (219).

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The Team Pro-Am Competition was won by Szadny and his amateurs, Waldemar Kowalczykowki, Krzystof Burlaski and Marek Rakocy.

“The guys are feeling great,” said Szadny, whose team finished with 257 points (-41) to complete their own beginning to end success. “We managed to score really well as a team…and we are over the moon.

“This is the third or fourth Confederation of Professional Golf Pro-Am that we have taken part in as a team…and we will definitely be back here next year.”

The quartet finished 16 points ahead of Team Shave (241 points), who were in turn a further five points in front of the team led by the PGA of Switzerland’s Andre Bossert (236 points).

For Full Final Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017LaMangaClub

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/2017LaMangaClub), follow @PGAsofEurope and search #LaMangaClubProAm on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information about the resort and to book a break, call 00 34 968 17 5577, email reservas@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com.

“It was tricky today,’ said Shave, after his two-under round of 69 at La Manga Club’s North Course moved him to eight-under (136) for the tournament. “The wind was up and it is quite a tight course.

“The greens are quick and some of the pins were tricky, but I played well. I had a couple of three putts, but apart from that, it was pretty good.”

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The Englishman, who was runner-up in the event last year, saw his lead reduced by one shot, but still remains well clear of the rest of the field.

The third and final round returns to the South Course, where Shave shot an excellent 67 (-6) in Round 01: “[The plan is to do the] same as what I did yesterday…hit the fairways and the greens, and then just go from there.”

There is a tie for second place between PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Professional, Daniel Whitby-Smith, and PGA of Holland Professional, Joost Steenkamer.

Whitby-Smith started the day seven shots adrift of his fellow countryman, Shave, and finished with a 68 (-3) for a two-round total of 142 (-2), whilst Steenkamer produced the best round of the day with a five-under round of 66.

The team of PGA of Poland Professional, Lukasz Szadny, and amateurs Waldemar Kowalczykowki, Krzystof Burlaski and Marek Rakocy are the runaway leaders of the Team Pro-Am Competition.

The quartet have extended their lead to 17 points, after they scored an excellent 90 points (-18) on the North Course, to give them a two-round total of 175 points (-31).

Team Bossert (PGA of Switzerland) are a distant second on 158 points (-14), with Team Shave and Team Cheese (PGA of GB&I) a further point behind.

For Full Round 02 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017LaMangaClub

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/2017LaMangaClub), follow @PGAsofEurope and search #LaMangaClubProAm on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information about the resort and to book a break, call 00 34 968 17 5577, email reservas@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com.

The fourth edition of the Pro-Am commenced on the South Course, which was the site of Arnold Palmer’s 1975 Spanish Open win and also where he redesigned the course in 1996.

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Shave got off to a relatively quiet start, reaching the turn in an even-par 37. However, he was quickly into his stride on the back nine, making birdie on the par-four 10th.

A further three birdies followed on the 12th, 15th and 16th, before the Englishman rounded off his round with an excellent eagle on the par-five 18th, to finish with a round of 67 (-6).

Shave is seven shots clear of fellow PGA of GB&I Professional, Daniel Whitby-Smith, and Lukasz Szadny (PGA of Poland), who both opened with one-over rounds of 74.

The PGA of Poland’s, Szadny, produced a solid round with one birdie and two bogeys, which gives him a slim chance of pegging back the leader.

Similarly, Whitby-Smith, who’s round consisted of three birdies and four bogeys, needs things to fall his way in Round 02 to be able to close the gap to Shave.

Leading the way in the Team Pro-Am Competition is the quartet consisting of PGA of Poland professional, Lukasz Szadny, and amateurs Waldemar Kowalczykowki, Krzystof Burlaski and Marek Rakocy.

The team scored 85 points (-13) to open up a two-point lead over Team Bossert (PGA of Switzerland) and Team Cheese (PGA of GB&I), who carded 11 under rounds (83 points).

Round 02 of the event moves to the North Course, before returning to the South Course for the third and final round.

For Full Round 01 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017LaMangaClub

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/2017LaMangaClub), follow @PGAsofEurope and search #LaMangaClubProAm on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

For more information about the resort and to book a break, call 00 34 968 17 5577, email reservas@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com.

“To break par every round was quite an achievement,” said Houston, who carded a final round of 37 points (-1), to finish with a five-round total of 190 points (-10).

“I’m really excited…I played with last year’s defending champion [Julien Gressier] today, so I knew he would be strong and it was great to come over the line at the end.”

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Houston, a winner on the Challenge Tour, felt he won despite not being at his best: “Some weeks you can play really well and not score well, but this was one of those weeks where I really didn’t play like I can play, but I ground out a score every single day for the five rounds.”

The Welshman not only takes home the title but also the winner’s cheque for USD$15,850: “Financially it’s obviously a good thing and its great to start the season so early with a win, but I know moving forward the things I have to work on…that will be my goal, to get my game where I would like it to be.”

After Round 04, 2016 World Club Pro-Am Champion, Julien Gressier (PGA of France), was two points off the lead but he carded a three-over round of 75 (33 points) to fall six points short of defending his title.

Pierre van Vuuren (PGA of South Africa), started the day level on points with Houston, but was unable to match strides with the eventual winner, only managing to make two birdies in his 31 point round (+5) to finish tied second with Gressier on 184 points (-4).

However, van Vuuren did lead Team Serengeti to a wire-to-wire success in the four-round Team Pro-Am Competition. He, along with amateurs John-Miles Griffiths, Izak Ludick and Hennie Lamprecht [pictured above], finished with a total of 367 points (-79), after their final round of 92 points (-20).

They were the only team to score over 90 points in each of the rounds and were three points clear of Team Windsor Park, led by Nisharlan Sewshanker (PGA of South Africa), who scored 95 points (-23) in their final round, to give them 364 points (-76) in total.

Completing the top three with 355 points, was Team Strand 2 led by PGA of South Africa Professional, Morne Jurgens.

For Full Final Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017WCPA

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page or visit www.worldclubproam.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#WorldClubProAm’ or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

Both professionals find themselves on 153 points (-9), after Round 04 of the event was played at Durban Country Club.

Houston started the day in second place, two points behind van Vuuren, and soon closed the gap, making birdie on the par-three 2nd. Further birdies followed on the 3rd and 8th for a front nine of 21 points (-3).

The Brit bogeyed the 10th, but recovered the shot on the par-four 14th to finish with a three-under round of 69 (39 points).

PGA of South Africa Professional, van Vuuren, also started his round with a birdie on the 2nd and reached the turn on even par (18 points).

Coming home, van Vuuren struggled to create any clear scoring opportunities, but closed his round with a birdie on the 18th for a 37 point round of 71 (-1).

Only two points adrift and hot on the heels of the leaders is 2016 World Club Pro-Am Champion, Julien Gressier of the PGA of France, with 151 points (-7).

The Frenchman led the tournament after the first two rounds, but struggled in Round 03 at the Beachwood Country Club. However, after a two-under round of 70 (38 points), he very much remains in contention to defend his title.

An honourable mention must go to PGA of Germany Professional, Christoph Günther, who carded a remarkable hole-in-one albatross on the par-four 18th.

Team Serengeti completed a wire-to-wire success to win the four-round Team Pro-Am Competition. The quartet consisting of van Vuuren, and amateurs John-Miles Griffiths, Izak Ludick and Hennie Lamprecht, finished with a total of 367 points (-79), after their final round of 92 points (-20).

Three points back were Team Windsor Park, led by Nisharlan Sewshanker (PGA of South Africa), who scored 95 points (-23) in their final round, to give them 364 points (-76) in total.

Completing the top three with 355 points, was Team Strand 2 led by PGA of South Africa Professional, Morne Jurgens.

Round 05 of the individual contest stays at Durban Country Club, as the field play for the 2017 World Club Pro-Am title.

For Full Round 04 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017WCPA

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page or visit www.worldclubproam.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#WorldClubProAm’ or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

Being mentally strong is one of those personal attributes that everyone could benefit from. Since we all encounter personal challenges and difficulties in our life, the ability to stay psychologically strong is invaluable. But is mental strength something we are just born with? Or can it be developed? Luckily, there are ways to enhance and amplify mental toughness. Here are six of the best.

1. Stay on target.

A major component of mental strength is the capacity to focus in on the pursuit of long-term goals. People who are mentally weak allow the minor hindrances of life to distract them from their objectives, which inevitably leads to underachievement. Surviving the inevitable setbacks and disappointments of life requires focusing on larger goals and plans.

2. Look at adversity as an opportunity.

Tough times aren’t necessarily a bad thing–in fact, they can often be a positive. That’s because you only really learn and grow through overcoming difficulties. The simple act of embracing a challenge can be a massive psychological step forward. Such a change in attitude can alter your whole outlook on life, helping to increase your mental fortitude.

3. Focus only on what you can control (my favorite).

Worry and fear are the enemies of mental stability and strength. While fear and worry may be impossible to totally avoid, many people bring trouble upon themselves by obsessing over things they cannot really control. For example, worrying about how a project will be received once it is submitted is pointless and accomplishes nothing. Focusing on whatever task is at hand–and letting the rest take care of itself–is simply smarter.

4. Develop resiliency.

No matter how much the perfectionists among us might wish otherwise, no individual can completely avoid setbacks and failure. In fact, what’s far more important than avoiding error is developing the mental strength required to bounce back quickly from a mistake. Learning how to get back on your feet, without spending any time malingering or feeling sorry for yourself, is essential. This is the entrepreneur’s armor.

5. Don’t spend too much time thinking about what other people think.

While everyone should be able to accept constructive criticism and other kinds of helpful input, there’s a definite limit to how much attention should be paid to the opinions of others. Ultimately, other people are responsible for their opinions, not you–and there is no point in dwelling on something that isn’t your responsibility.

6.Strive to be emotionally even-keeled.

Getting either too high or too low emotionally is almost always a barrier to true mental strength, something I’m especially guilty of. However, being out of control emotionally makes it impossible to proceed forward in a rational, constructive way. Those who experience excessive emotional turbulence have a hard time dealing with life’s problems. That’s why the ability to keep control of powerful, disruptive feelings is such a crucial aspect of mental discipline.

Whether it’s in sports, career, or another of life’s competitive arenas, mental strength is often more important to success than natural ability. Fortunately, psychological strength is not an innate talent but rather a trait that can be acquired. With the recommendations above, almost everyone should be able to enhance their mental strength.

Tom Popomaronis is a serial entrepreneur, an e-commerce expert, and a proud Baltimore native. He has been recognized for technology and startup leadership by Fast Company, Entrepreneur, The Washington Post, and Forbes. Tom was also named “40 under 40” by the Baltimore Business Journal in 2014.

@tpopomaronis

Round 03 of the event supported by the PGA of South Africa moved to the Beachwood Country Club where van Vuuren started the day in second place, only two points behind overnight leader Julien Gressier (PGA of France). He got his round off to the perfect start, making birdie on the par-four first hole, following that up with another birdie on the second.

The South African reached the turn with 22 points (-4), before going on to make two birdies and three bogeys on the back nine and finish with 39 points, giving him the best round of the day. Van Vuuren has a three-round total of 116 points (-8), and a two-point lead going into Round 04.

In second place, is the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Professional, Garry Houston, after he shot a one-under round (37 points), consisting of four birdies and three bogeys, leaving him on 114 points (-6) for the tournament.

Completing the top three is overnight leader, Gressier, who struggled to score as freely as he had been during the previous two rounds. He finished with 34 points for the day, giving him 113 points (-5) in total – still well within striking distance of the leader.

Team Serengeti lead the Team Pro-Am Competition, as they have since Round 01, and have a three-round score of 275 points (-59). Led by van Vuuren, amateurs John-Miles Griffiths, Izak Ludick and Hennie Lamprecht, have a six-point cushion and are in a strong position.

Behind them are Team Windsor Park, led by Nisharlan Sewshanker (PGA of South Africa), who have 269 points (-53), and a further two points behind, in third place, is Team Strand 2, led by PGA of South Africa professional, Morne Jurgens.

Round 04 at Durban Country Club is the penultimate round of the Individual Professional competition, whilst also being the final of the Team Pro-Am event.

For Full Round 03 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2017WCPA

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For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page or visit www.worldclubproam.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#WorldClubProAm’ or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

Our PGA Professional Spotlight is cast over Adam and we find out more about what he gets up to on a day-to-day basis and how he got there…

IGPN: How did your career as a PGA Professional first begin?

Adam: Following my years of representing the Greek National Team as an amateur, and having completed a BA(Hons) degree in Golf Management at the University of Central Lancashire, I was approached by Costa Navarino to take on the role of Assistant Professional and to also grow the game in our local region.

IGPN: How did you end up in your current position?

Adam: I got a job offer from Costa Navarino to work as the Pro properly – I was lucky as my reputation as a player was known and then my qualifications from the UK with the PGA of GB&I.

IGPN: Explain a bit about your business that you run now…

Adam: As the PGA Pro at Costa Navarino I cater to giving lessons to customers, as well as organising club competitions and other operational needs of the club.

I am also in charge of the ‘Costa Navarino Junior Golf Academy’ – a scholarship programme aimed at developing local kids into elite golfers. After 5 years, the programme has reached 55 junior members.

IGPN: What does being a PGA Professional mean to you?

Adam: For me a PGA Professional is an ambassador for the game in every sense. Things like dress code, behaviour, playing ability, attitude and work ethic are things that being a PGA Professional is all about and I’m very proud to be able to say I am a PGA Professional.

IGPN: How important is it for PGA Professionals to strive to continually improve their skills, knowledge and development in general?

Adam: It’s important to stay up to date with the ever-developing trends and skill-sets in today’s job markets. Being up to date with social media trends, equipment news, technology, like Trackman or FlightScope, and CPD, like workshops, are important to add value to your profile as a PGA Professional.

IGPN: What would the biggest top you could give a PGA Professional looking for a news job or trying to develop themselves and their skills?

Adam: Attention to detail – and make sure the service you provide is the best possible.

IGPN: What would your advice be to someone looking to work abroad?

Adam: Do your best to adapt to the local way of life and try to learn the local language – both of these things help you integrate more with colleagues and customers and ultimately you will enjoy yourself more and get more from it if you can do that.

For more information about Costa Navarino visit www.costanavarino.com.

This article originally featured in International Golf Pro News. Visit the IGPN Page to find out more and subscribe for free.

The online release of this preview begins a six-month feedback and evaluation period during which all golfers worldwide can learn about the proposed changes and provide input before they are finalised in 2018 and take effect on 1 January 2019.

The announcement follows a comprehensive review process that began in 2012 with a working group of key R&A and USGA Rules administrators, professional tour officials and other Rules experts. While the Rules are revised every four years, this is the first fundamental review since 1984, and was established to ensure the Rules fit the needs of today’s game and the way it is played around the world.

Details of all the proposed changes and the opportunity to submit feedback online are available via www.RandA.org

Jones, who will be succeeded by Robert Maxfield following The PGA’s annual general meeting at the end of March, has been appointed executive president and will still be retained by the Association, albeit on a reduced basis.

As president of the Golf Foundation, chairman of the Confederation of Professional Golf and The Ryder Cup Trust, Jones always planned to remain involved with the sport.

This latest appointment, however, adds up to an even busier retirement and Jones said: “I see this as an ambassadorial role and I am delighted to be asked.

“I will remain a Trustee of The PGA Benevolent Fund, supporting the fund raising in particular through The PGA Annual Lunches which are a major source of revenue to the fund.

“Another responsibility will be assisting in the looking after of our Heritage Collection which has great value in the world of golf. It is our intention to create a virtual Heritage room so that the collection can be viewed around the world and I look forward to working on this project very shortly.

“I will be available to Rob as and when he feels I can be of assistance and certainly in and around Ryder Cup matters.”

The position will see Jones extending an association with The PGA which began in 1980 when he was appointed Scottish region secretary. During the decade he was there, Jones quadrupled the Tartan Tour’s prize money to just shy of £1m and developed the growth of The PGA in Scotland.

He became chief executive in December 1991 and during the subsequent 25 years The PGA has played a significant role in the development of the game, not just in Great Britain and Ireland but around the world.

That is borne out by more than 1,400 of its almost 8,000 Members working in 79 countries worldwide.

His initiative saw the creation at The Belfry of what has become The PGA National Training Academy and European Centre of Excellence for Golf.

This, in conjunction with the University of Birmingham, now offers a foundation degree in Professional Golf Studies and an honours degree in Applied Golf Management Studies.

In addition, a partnership with the University of Highlands & Islands offers an honours degree in Professional Golf and a diploma in Higher Education in Professional Golf.

More recently, a diploma in Golf Club Management in partnership with the Golf Course Managers’ Association (GCMA) and British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) was created.

The PGA National Training Academy also serves as the hub for the ongoing professional development programme offering vocational education opportunities for all PGA Professionals.

PGA golf education is widely acknowledged as the best in the world and during Jones’ time as chief executive thousands of students have graduated. This number includes students from China, India, the Middle East, Far East and most European countries as well as Great Britain and Ireland.

It’s no surprise that in 2009 Jones was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Birmingham for outstanding services to sport and golf.

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

His initiative to form the PGA World Alliance, made up of the major PGAs is another great example of the influence he has had on the game.

Closer to home, Jones has raised the profile of The PGA and its Members during his 25 years as chief executive. He has also developed The PGA brand and the Association has become one of the most highly respected organisations in sport.

Through his vision two Ryder Cup venues, Gleneagles and The Belfry, have championship courses bearing The PGA Brand. The PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles was the venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup match.

It all adds up to a wealth of experience and PGA chairman

David Murchie said: “Sandy has dedicated most of his working life to The PGA and its Members.

“As chief executive he has taken the Association forward in every aspect of the business and has enhanced its reputation and standing across the golfing world.

“We’re delighted he has accepted the invitation to become our executive president and we will still be able to call on his expertise and experience.”

Maxfield echoed those sentiments and added: “During his time at The PGA Sandy has achieved many things.

“As the incoming chief executive I am extremely fortunate I will be taking over the leadership of an Association that is respected the world over thanks to Sandy’s vision, dedication and hard work.

“I am pleased I will still be able to draw on Sandy’s experience as he takes on his new position.”