Keith Jones (1931-2024)

Keith Jones, a Member for more than 70 years who learned the game playing with his cousin Peter Butler, a future Ryder Cup player and PGA Captain, passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 93.

Born within six months of one another, the two teenagers played at Warley Woods Golf Club, Birmingham, and Butler was best man when Keith married Jean.

National Service had put their fledgling careers on hold by then and they subsequently went their separate ways in terms of pursuing their golfing dreams.

Keith became an apprentice at Halesowen Golf Club and PGA Member in 1949 after serving in the RAF. Once qualified, he worked at Melton Mowbray Golf Club, Leicestershire, and then Bridgnorth Golf Club, Shropshire, before accepting the role of head professional at the now defunct North Worcestershire Golf Club in 1960.

Keith remained there for the best part of four decades before retiring in 1998, the year he was made an Honorary PGA Member.

Retirement, however, did not diminish the former Worcestershire PGA Captain’s passion for the game nor that of his wife.

Jean became Lady Captain at North Worcestershire while Keith, assisted by Tim, the couple’s youngest son and onetime PGA Member, built and ran a driving range at Wast Hills, Kings Norton, Birmingham.

Keith, who was pre-deceased by Jean and Tim within months of one another in 2024, is survived by his eldest son Stuart, daughter-in-law Sally, and grand-children Laura and Matthew. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them on their loss.