Former Professional Golfers' Association chief executive Sandy Jones has died at the age of 74 ©PGA

Former Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) chief executive Sandy Jones has died at the age of 74 following a short illness, with tributes being paid to him from all over the world.

The Scot joined the PGA in 1980, where he remained until he retired in 2017.

Over his 37-year career, which begun as the PGA's Scottish region secretary, he was credited with the evolution of the PGA, the Ryder Cup and the general growth of the game worldwide.

"Sandy led The PGA for more than 25 years, instigating significant change and improvement to the way the Association was run," Robert Maxfield, who replaced Jones as chief executive after he retired, said.

"Through his work with the Ryder Cup, the PGA World Alliance, and PGAs of Europe, he was a significant figure in the world of golf, as well as in Great Britain and Ireland."

DP World Tour deputy chief executive Guy Kinnings also highlighted the significant contribution Jones made to the game.

"Over the last 40 years, Sandy made a huge contribution to golf at all levels of the game, from the grassroots right through to the Ryder Cup.

"He was hugely respected and his passion for our sport was obvious to all of us who were fortunate to meet him and work closely with him."

Leading figures from the world of golf have paid tribute to Sandy Jones ©PGA
Leading figures from the world of golf have paid tribute to Sandy Jones ©PGA

Peter Dawson, former chief executive of the Royal & Ancient and an ex-President of the International Golf Federation, highlighted Jones' calmness under pressure.

"Sandy was obviously very experienced and always had a level head in a crisis, although there weren’t too many of those, thankfully," Dawson said.

"He was a delight to work with."

Under Jones, the Ryder Cup was staged at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield twice, in 1993 and 2002, and he was also involved in preparations for the 2014 edition at Gleneagles in Scotland.

"He was a great lover of the game and passionate about the Ryder Cup and Ryder family," former Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said.

"He and I worked together with Ken [Schofield] and George [O'Grady] in the modernisation of the Ryder Cup."

As well as being involved closely at the very top of the sport, Jones also played a role at grassroots level as President of the Golf Foundation, a charitable organisation that helps introduce youngsters from all backgrounds to golf.

During Sandy Jones' period as PGA chief executive, Britain successfully hosted the Ryder Cup on a number of occasions, including at the Belfry in 2002 ©Getty Images
During Sandy Jones' period as PGA chief executive, Britain successfully hosted the Ryder Cup on a number of occasions, including at the Belfry in 2002 ©Getty Images

Perhaps the most heartfelt tribute to Jones was paid by Schofield, former chief executive of the European Tour - now DP World Tour.

"All of us are just so grateful that we were touched by Sandy," he said.

"The term 'great' is often over-used but never in Sandy's case.

"He was a great man and a great friend to the game. 

"He was my friend. 

"He was golf's friend.

"We are all saddened he has not enjoyed a long and happy retirement with [his wife] Christine."