Murchie succeeds Weaver as PGA chairman

Long-serving PGA chairman Dr Phil Weaver OBE has stepped down after 25 years in the role.

The Coventry Golf Club head PGA Professional is replaced by Scot David Murchie – the head pro at Crieff Golf Club in Perth and Kinross – who was elected at a board meeting on Friday, April 4.

Dr Weaver, who was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Dublin, has presided over huge changes in the organisation including the establishment of a world-renowned training academy at the Association’s Belfry headquarters.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones paid tribute to Weaver, a two-time PGA Cup player, and also welcomed the arrival of Murchie.

“During Phil’s time as chairman The PGA has changed from a fairly small organisation to one that is recognised as a leader in the world, said Jones. “he has done a good job, especially through some difficult times in the early days.

“When he started, we had no Europro Tour, no education facility as such so he has left a legacy he should be proud of; certainly his name is engraved in the history of Association.

“For a guy who started as a club pro, who wanted to play the game and ended up pro at Coventry for many years, he has done a great job.”

To mark his long service, Dr Weaver was presented with a decanter and miniature Ryder Cup by PGA captain Neil Selwyn-Smith (above left) and also Life Membership of The PGA.

Filling his shoes will be 56 year old Murchie who was a late starter in golf, having not joined the pro ranks until his late 20s.

He joined the board in 2007 and celebrates his 30th season at Crieff this year where he was an assistant.

Murchie (above) joins an illustrious list of PGA pros to have fulfilled the role including James Braid and JH Taylor – two of the legendary Great Triumverate.

“When you look down the list and see people like James Braid and JH Taylor, you think, my god what am I doing here,” he said.

“It’s all a bit scary, Phil has been a chairman a long time so it is new territory but I’m looking forward to the challenges.

“We all know there are a lot of challenges out there for members and I think a big part of the Association’s job is to support these guys in their jobs and careers and do the best we can for the them.

“More and more of our guys are moving into club management, clubs are under pressure and they know the pro can help them in aspects of the job and I see that growing - it’s good for our members to get into that part of the job.”

Jones believes Murchie will prove an asset to the Association as it continues to support its members.

“David is a very thoughtful person in terms of his own business, and in terms of his role within The PGA and I’m sure he will be a really good leader.

“He will be my sounding board and the voice of the membership. He doesn’t get emotional about things and is a good listener. David is a member’s pro and I know he will represent the organisation well and I look forward to working with him.”

Also joining the board will be Moortown Golf Club’s Martin Heggie who replaces John Heggarty, Bush Hill Park’s Lee Fickling who takes over from Brian White and Northants County’s Tim Rouse who succeeds Dr Weaver.