Jim L. Awtrey, the first Chief Executive Officer of The Professional Golfers' Association of America, was the guest speaker at one of the most prestigious golfing occasions of the year, The European Tour Annual Dinner, at Wentworth Club on Tuesday night.
Awtrey, who retires early in 2006 after six years as Executive Director followed by 12 as CEO of the PGA of America, addressed an invited audience from all areas of the golfing spectrum, including Europe’’s victorious Ryder Cup Team from Oakland Hills Country Club and The 2004 European Tour Order of Merit winner, Ernie Els.
A former Rules Official and Tournament Director with the PGA of America, Awtrey said: “The European Tour has a lot to be proud of for the manner in which it has expanded the borders of the game to the rest of the world. I enjoyed sharing stories with many friends from ‘across the pond.’’”
George O’’Grady, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: “ Jim has consistently embraced the internationalisation of the US PGA Championship and we were delighted that he accepted our invitation to address The European Tour Annual Dinner."
At the culmination of his speech, Awtrey was presented with two vintage angling books by 2006 European Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam.
