FARMER TO BE PGA CAPTAIN

"IT'S A FANTASTIC HONOUR," SAYS JIM

St Andrews-based professional Jim Farmer is celebrating a hat-trick of top appointments in the game after being asked to become captain of the PGA.
The 57-year-old who captained Great Britain & Ireland to PGA Cup glory last year and was appointed Honorary Professional of St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club in January, will become captain-elect when Parnell Reilly succeeds Beverly Lewis next year.
The two-year ambassadorial role will see Farmer represent the PGA at major golfing events including the Open, US Masters and Ryder Cup as well as working on behalf of the Association's 7,000 members.
Farmer will join an illustrious group of Scots to hold the honour, including James Braid - the first ever captain following the Association's formation in 1901.
"It's a fantastic honour," admitted Farmer. "To follow in the footsteps of the many great people that have occupied this position in the past is the best it gets in the PGA - I'm thrilled to bits."
PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones added: "The captain's board is littered with great professionals who have made an outstanding contribution within the game and to the Association and in Jim Farmer we have someone who is continuing that proud legacy."
Farmer, who had dreams of being a centre half for Hearts at one stage of his youth, was born in St Andrews in November 1948 where he still lives and runs his own golf business.
During a highly successful playing career he topped the Tartan Tour Order of Merit for seven consecutive years between 1977 and 1983 and also won the Northern Open in 1978 and the British club pros' title in 1983.
He also gained representative honours with four appearances in the PGA Cup matches while other highlights include two Open appearances at St Andrews.
Farmer has also enjoyed successful club professional roles at Drumpellier and Duddingston.