I am sure everyone who loves golf had a moment of sadness this week when we learned of the passing of John Jacobs. Not only was he a Ryder Cup player in 1955, captain in 1979 and 1981 and a ground breaking golf coach, he also laid the foundations for the European Tour as we know it today.

I remember a visit to Wentworth Club just a few years ago when I was with a couple of young assistants and suddenly one of them spotted a car pull up outside the clubhouse.

“JJ’s coming” he said.

We exchanged a look amongst each other and without a word needing to be said we formed a line and clapped him through the door. True respect needs no words.