University to honour Jim Farmer

Photo credit: Andy Forman.

The University of St Andrews is to award the University Medal to Scottish golfer Jim Farmer in recognition of his lifetime achievements and “outstanding” contribution to the community of St Andrews and the game of golf.

Mr Farmer, who is Honorary Professional at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, has enjoyed a hugely influential career as a player, coach and administrator.

To many in St Andrews, where he grew up and still lives, he is “Mr Golf”. He has coached and mentored generations of amateurs and professionals.

He will be presented with the University Medal at a special public Graduation ceremony in St Andrews on the eve of the 139th Open Championship in July. The Medal is a special award intended to recognise exemplary service to the community of St Andrews or the University.

During the ceremony the University will also present honorary degrees to fellow professionals Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington.

The awards ceremony will take place at 3pm on 13 July in the University’s graduation venue at Younger Hall in North Street, St Andrews. The awards will be conferred by University Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell.

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the ceremony. Tickets are free and interest may be registered by email to [email protected].

University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Dr Louise Richardson said: “To many, Jim Farmer’s name is synonymous with golf in St Andrews. He is a widely respected figure in our local community and throughout golf. We’re absolutely delighted that Jim has agreed to be with us and accept this richly deserved award from the University on the eve of this year’s Open Championship.”

Jim Farmer is a former British Club Professional Champion and Tartan Tour number one and prior to turning professional achieved notable amateur success winning the Lytham Trophy and gaining international honours.

During his playing career he chalked up six Open Championship appearances – the first at St Andrews in 1970 – and had victories in 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.

In recent years, Jim has collected a number of awards in recognition of his contribution to golf including: PGA Master Professional status, the PGAs of Europe Five Star Professional award and his ceremonial role as the honorary professional at the Royal and Ancient.

In 2009 he was made a Life Member of St Andrews Golf Club – the club he joined as a teenager.

Ends