Senior Tour members and former Ryder Cup players have today paid tribute to European Tour founding father John Jacobs who has passed away aged 91.
Jacobs was the driving force behind the formation of the European Tour, giving current Senior Tour members a platform to begin their professional careers on the world golf stage in the 1970s and 1980s.
Members of the Senior Tour play for the John Jacobs Trophy each season, with the winner of the Order of Merit receiving the trophy named after one of the most important figures in modern golf.
Former Ryder Cup Captain Bernhard Langer made his first appearance in the biennial competition under the captaincy of Jacobs in 1981.
“John was one of the true gentlemen in the game of golf and always willing to help other people with their game,” said Langer.
Bernhard Langer captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory in 2004
“On a number of occasions he was very instrumental in helping me both with my swing and my overall game.
“He had a lot of wisdom and knowledge, and it was a privilege to play my first Ryder Cup under his captaincy. I will certainly miss him, and I will certainly remember him.”
Mark James made his second Ryder Cup appearance under Jacobs’ captaincy in 1979, and was then handed a wildcard spot in 1981.
“I got into trouble during The 1979 Ryder Cup, and he then gave me a place in the 1981 side – he was one to wipe the slate clean,” said James.
“He was a lovely guy. Recently, I spoke to one of the Spaniards on our Tour and asked why they produced such good golfers. I was told that it’s because John went over to Spain and taught the Spanish professionals how to teach the game, and his impact can still be seen today.”
Irishmen Eamonn Darcy and Des Smyth both represented Europe at The Ryder Cup with Smyth making both his appearances in 1979 and 1981 under Jacobs, and Darcy his third Ryder Cup appearance in 1981.
Des Smyth (far right) before his Ryder Cup debut in 1979 under captain John Jacobs (centre)
“He was the sweetest man,” said Smyth. “An all-round wonderful gentleman in the old sense of the word; I don’t think anyone has a bad word to say about him.
“I was so proud to make the Ryder Cup team as a wildcard in 1979. The three people that picked me as a wildcard were John, Neil Coles and Seve Ballesteros – I couldn’t have asked for three finer people to make that choice.
“He really wanted to drive a professional tour for players, he really saw the bigger picture.”
Darcy added: “He was a wonderful teacher. He used to come and watch me play and hit a few balls and he told me to do things my own way and not to listen to anyone – which was encouraging to hear, especially with my swing.
“He really helped get this tour going. They set things up for us and the current crop are reaping the benefits, that’s why the Tour is so good.
“He was a great man for the game and respected worldwide as a player and a teacher.”
