Former Confederation of Professional [CPG] Chairman, Sandy Jones, has been recognised for his incredible impact on global golf and the Association itself with the 2019 Christer Lindberg Bowl.
In late 2018, after 25 years as the Association’s Chairman, Jones retired from his position with the CPG, formerly the PGAs of Europe, having been a key part of its inception and evolution across three decades, as well as a one of the key drivers behind the development of the Ryder Cup and the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT).
The Christer Lindberg Bowl, named after the Association’s first Chairman, reflects the importance and influence of its winners on our sport. Jones joins the role of honour that includes names such as John Jacobs, Joe Steranka, IMG, Emma Villacieros, Rolex, and Annika Sörenstam, in recognition of their impact and support of golf at all levels of the sport.
“When Christer Lindberg sadly passed away many years ago, I was part of setting this award up, so to be on the receiving end of it is an amazing feeling and is something very special to me”, said Jones after receiving the award at the 2019 CPG Annual Gala Awards Dinner Supported By Rolex at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in Portugal.
“However, I feel this award is testament to more than just myself – it is a recognition of so many other people who I have worked with over my career – people that have contributed significantly to many of the achievements accomplished in the world of golf.”
Having played golf from an early age under the guidance of his avid-golfer mother, Jones moved from computer programming for IBM to a career in golf when he took up the role as Regional Secretary for the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland’s Scottish office in 1980.
Within 12 years he had risen to the position of Chief Executive after which he led the organisation with countless initiatives, programmes and events each conceptualised and developed through him and his team of staff that grew significantly during his tenure.
Jones was also involved in the formative years of the PGAs of Europe and following the passing of Lindberg in 1994, he took up the reins as Chairman and oversaw the rise of the Association to the globally influential organisation of 32 Member Country PGAs that exists today.
During this time he also played a huge role in the growth and development of the Ryder Cup to what it has become today, being one of the largest sporting events on earth and a key ‘shop window’ to the sport.
Together with past European Tour Chief Executive and current CPG Board Director, Ken Schofield, he also drew up the agreement between the CPG, European Tour and the PGA of GB&I to establish Ryder Cup Europe and the RCEDT. Jones also Chaired the RCEDT for over a decade, helping to distribute funds from the Ryder Cup across numerous countries and projects for the betterment and growth of golf.
“To see the CPG and RCEDT continue to grow and have an impact on the game after my tenure is fantastic; it has been a huge part of my life and I will never forget my time as Chairman.”
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