Nicky Lumb accepts future PGA captaincy

While all the talk in the news is about who will take over the United States Ryder Cup captaincy, a decision a bit closer to home has already been made.

Nicky Lumb, the Master Professional based at the Bristol Golf Centre, will succeed Neil Selwyn-Smith in 2015 as captain of the Professional Golfers Association when he takes over the two-year ambassadorial role from current incumbent Eddie Bullock in April 2013.

Lumb, a PGA Board member, built his reputation as a retailer initially at Filton Golf Club and for the last 12 years atBristolwhich employs nine PGA pros, features a 24-bay driving range and pirate-themed 18 hole adventure course.

He played golf as a junior with his father who was secretary at West Bowling, Bradford, but it wasn’t until a serious illness in his mid-20s that he decided to follow in the footsteps of his late brother, Robin, and become a PGA professional. His wife Kathy twice played in the Curtis Cup.

In 1983 he began his long involvement with PGA education and training programmes and went on to become senior commercial studies tutor in 1988. As chairman of the PGA training committee, he was involved in the building of the newPGATrainingAcademyand The Belfry and oversaw the re-writing of the PGA training manual.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: “Nicky is a well-respected and innovative pro who has been a long-standing PGA board member and has also been an instrumental figure in helping develop The PGA’s education programmes. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the golf industry and we look forward to him representing the Association with distinction.”

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