Jim Farmer

appointed PGA

captain today

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY PGA
Jim Farmer joined a select group of Scottish golfers, including the legendary James Braid, when he was appointed PGA captain today.
The St Andrews golfer becomes the latest in a long line of illustrious pros to have filled the prestigious role in the Association’s 108-year history.Braid – a member of the legendary Great Triumverate was the first PGA captain in 1901 – while Open Champion Sandy Herd, Ryder Cup captain George Duncan and seven time Scottish PGA Champion Eric Brown also held the role.
The 60 year old Farmer succeeded Parnell Reilly (Bradley Park) during the Association’s annual general meeting at The Belfry and is the first Scot to fill the position in 20 years since John Stirling.
“Glancing down the list of past captains is like reading a history of the game, from the Great Triumverate through to the likes of John Jacobs, Dave Thomas and Beverly Lewis,” said Farmer.
“It’s a tremendous honour to have my name added to the list and I look forward to representing the Association and its members over the next two years.”
The two-year ambassadorial role will see Farmer represent the PGA and its 7,500 members both at home and abroad including this week’s US Masters.The honorary professional at St Andrews, who as a teenager had a promising football career with Hearts ended by a knee injury, has excelled in all areas of golf as a player, coach and retailer.
His playing career included six Open Championship appearances – the first at St Andrews in 1970 when his wife Denise became the first woman to caddy in an Open – and also victories in the Lytham Trophy, the 1979 Northern Open at Nairn and the 1983 PGA Club Professional Championship at Heaton Park.
Farmer also represented Great Britain & Ireland in four PGA Cups – appearing on the losing side just once – and returned to captain GB&I to success against America at The K Club in 2005 to end a run of 21 years without a win.
He was born in St Andrews and began his golf career as an assistant at Ladybank, later becoming head professional at Drumpellier and Duddingston and would juggle club pro duties while competing.
Outside of the playing arena, Farmer established himself as a successful Scottish national coach, chaired the Scottish Regional Committee and has been a member of the PGA executive committee and PGA Board.
In recent years, Farmer has gathered a number of awards in recognition of his contribution to golf including: PGA Master Professional status, the PGAs of Europe Five Star Professional award and his ceremonial role as the honorary professional at St Andrews.
“I’ve been lucky in the last five or six years to have received a number of honours and the PGA captaincy caps the lot,” he added.
PGA chief executive and fellow-Scot Sandy Jones said: “Jim Farmer has been a leading member of the Association, particularly in Scotland, for more than three decades. He has established a fine reputation as a player, coach and retailer and I’m sure he will bring his experience forward to the benefit of the Association during his term as captain over the next two years.”
Eddie Bullock, who is attached to Sussex’s West Cowdray Park, was appointed as captain-elect.
+Courtesy image above of Jim Farmer at St Andrews was taken by Andy Forman.