PGA captain Jim Farmer been made a Life Member of St Andrews Golf Club – the club he joined as a teenager.
The 61-year-old was raised within a driver and pitching wedge of the famous Auld Grey Toon and while at the club achieved huge amateur success including winning the Lytham Trophy and gaining international honours.
Farmer, who still lives in the town, was presented with an inscribed gold medal bar during the club’s annual general meeting last week in recognition of his achievements.
“I have been a member of St Andrews Golf Club since I was 16 and played for them as an amateur before I turned pro,” said Farmer. “I won all my amateur events while there – the Lytham Trophy, Leven Golf Medal and earned my Scottish international cap there, so it is special to receive this honour from the club and all the members.”
Club secretary Tom Gallacher added: “It’s a tribute to Jim’s whole career and the members wanted to recognise what he has achieved in the game.”
Farmer, who is also the Honorary Professional of the Royal and Ancient, has enjoyed a successful career as player, coach and administrator.
During his playing career he chalked up six Open Championship appearances – the first at St Andrews in 1970 – and had 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.
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.
Visit www.PGA.info for the latest PGA news
Image of Jim Farmer courtesy of Andy Forman Photography