Jim Rhodes, the three-time European Senior Tour winner and long-term committee member, has passed away following a long battle with cancer.
The 69 year old is one of the select group of players to have earned more than €1million in prize money on the Senior Tour.
After turning professional in 1963, he worked as a club professional, making occasional European Tour appearances, until 1999 when he joined the Senior Tour aged 50.
The Englishman finished inside the top 15 on the Order of Merit in each of his first two seasons, before capturing his maiden title in 2001 in the SSL International/Sodexho Match Play Championship presented by the Daily Telegraph at his beloved Penina in Portugal.
His second victory came three years later in the Jersey Seniors Classic as he finished the 2004 season in tenth position on the Order of Merit, and he won his third title in 2005 in the Nigel Mansell Sunseeker International Classic at Woodbury Park in England.
In total, he won €1,209,266 in prize money lying in 12th place on the Senior Tour Career money list.
Alongside his successful playing career, Rhodes was also an important and influential member of the Senior Tour Committee from 1999 to 2013, when he had to step down due to ill-health.
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, led the tributes to the popular player.
He said: “Jim’s contribution to the European Senior Tour cannot be underestimated, both in terms of his playing career and his 14 years as part of the Senior Tour committee.
“Jim rarely missed a meeting during that period and he played an important role in helping to grow the Senior Tour. He was a popular figure amongst his fellow professionals and also a very consistent player, finishing inside the top 20 on the Order of Merit six times.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Pauline and daughter Jenny, both of whom caddied for Jim over the years.”
Sandy Jones, PGA Chief Executive, said: “It was with great sadness that I received the news of Jim’s death. He was a passionate PGA Member and served the game well in every aspect.
“He was a fine player which was certainly evidenced when he joined the European Senior Tour and had outstanding success.
“Jim worked hard for his fellow professionals, serving on regional committee, always offering wise counsel and great insight into the game.
“We pass on our condolences to all his family and he will be missed by the game and all who knew him.”
A service of thanksgiving to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at St. Luke’s Church Cannock WS11 1DE at 12.00 noon on Friday 20th March. Afterwards a reception will take place at The South Staffordshire Golf Club
The family would appreciate dress appropriate to a service of thanksgiving and celebration.
No flowers please, donations if desired. Please enquire A J Sellman, Cannock, 01543 502322
