Last week’s Staysure Tour Qualifying School Final Stage marked the end of an era as long-serving staging consultant George Griffith completed his last event before retirement.
George first started working with the European Tour in the late 1980s through his company Vantage Sports, managing the hospitality at the European Open and assisting with the overall event management.
His work ethic and infectious personality made him a popular figure at the Tour and he continued working in a hospitality and events role into the 1990s.
In addition to working with the European Tour, George split his time with the Ladies European Tour, staging some of their events, as well as helping to stage the Solheim Cup at St Pierre Golf & Country Club in 1996.
His work at the Solheim Cup led him to make the transition to The Ryder Cup, where he has held hospitality roles on numerous occasions.
A member at Walton Heath Golf Club, George oversaw the transition of the Jersey Open from a European Tour event to a Staysure Tour event and assisted the promoter in staging the tournament over several years.
However, despite all his fervent work on Staysure Tour events, George’s passion has always been Qualifying School.
George has organised much of the event for a number of years, placing signage around the course with meticulous detail and ensuring staff and players are looked after to the highest degree.
Despite his career with the Tour coming to an end, he will undoubtedly be seen during the 2019 season as he enjoys his retirement with his wife Chris.
European Tour Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Head of the Staysure Tour David MacLaren said: “I first worked with George at the 1996 Solheim Cup and he has not changed one iota. Throughout my time working with George he has constantly aimed for perfection in everything he does, and this is shown by the great success he has achieved.
“His forthright personality and will to help others has been well-received by countless people during his time with the European Tour and Staysure Tour and he will be sorely missed. Despite entering into retirement, I know ‘Gorgeous George’ will always be on the end of the phone should I, or anybody at the European Tour, need his advice.”
Santiago Luna, Steen Tinning, George Griffith and Paul Eales
Peter Adams, Head of Championship Management, said: “George is one of the few genuine, true legends. Following a high-flying and notable career in hospitality and events, George turned his undoubted skills to seniors golf where he made a huge contribution and had a significant impact on players, sponsors and with his colleagues who have a tremendous fondness for him.
“For George, going the extra mile is quite simply part of his DNA. His boundless energy and enthusiasm, which completely belies his advancing years, is quite simply an example for us all to try and follow. He will be missed.”
Andy Stubbs, Head of International Policy and former Head of the Staysure Tour, said: “I have witnessed George work across numerous tours since the late 1980s and cover many roles including Championship Management, Hospitality, Master of Ceremonies, Auctioneer and many others.
“From Ryder Cups to Solheim Cups to Senior Opens, his attention to detail will be missed, but I won’t be surprised if he turns up as a volunteer at the U.S. Open Qualifying at his beloved Walton Heath.”
Three-time Staysure Tour winner Roger Chapman said: “I always call him Sergeant Wilson, in homage to the Dad’s Army character.
“One of my favourite memories of George is from when we were in Moscow for a tournament on the Staysure Tour when I was a referee. We took a trip into the city by boat and as we got off the boat, buses were going to take us into Red Square.
“In true George fashion he just came out with: ‘would you mind awfully lining up here for the buses?’
“He was so polite, just like Wilson from Dad’s Army. I always call him by that!”
Three-time European Tour winner and two-time Staysure Tour winner Andrew Oldcorn said: “I can’t actually remember the first time I ever met George as we have both been associated with the European Tour for so long!
“When I joined the Staysure Tour in 2010, I can remember that George was one of the first people I encountered at my first ever over 50s event at Stapleford Park, the Handa Senior Masters. He immediately put me at ease as I can recall being quite nervous at the thought of returning to play on Tour after a few years away from Tour life.
“We are going to miss his presence at our tournaments enormously as he was an endless source of energy, wit, enthusiasm and complete professionalism.
“Enjoy your retirement George, and as I always used to say to him ‘take the rest of the day off George!’”
Barry Lane, who has won five times on the European Tour and six times on the Staysure Tour said: “George has been a solid presence on the senior circuit since the 1990s and you’re always bound to see him running around sorting things out.
“He is an expert in organising pro-ams, giving speeches and orchestrating prize giving ceremonies. George is makes everything look easy, even though half the time it is far from that. It is sad to see him go but I wish him a very happy retirement.”
Everyone at the European Tour and Staysure Tour wishes George a long, happy and healthy retirement.
