MGA Mourns the Passing of Jim Hand

The Metropolitan Golf Association mourns the passing of former DSA winner and USGA President James R. Hand who died in Manchester, Vermont on November 13th at the age of 101. Jim Hand started his connection to golf as a caddie and junior player at North Fork Country Club on the East End of Long island. This would begin a lifelong connection to the game.

Related: Former USGA President Jim Hand Dies at Age of 101 (USGA) | Journal News Obituary

Jim was one of the most influential figures in regional and national golf, serving the game at the club, local, regional and national level with great distinction. A longtime member and former president of Sleepy Hollow Country Club, he also served as president of the Westchester Golf Association. He was one of the early supporters and leaders of the highly successful Westchester Caddie Scholarship Fund, serving as president from 1987-89. He served as a member of the MGA Executive Committee and received the Association's highest honor, its Distinguished Service Award in 1986.  Jim’s family was also honored with the Met Golf Writer’s Family of the Year Award.  Jim went on to serve  on the USGA Executive Committee where he chaired the Championship Committee and was elected president in 1984. During his presidency he directed a highly successful Capital Campaign that helped raise funds for turfgrass research, the USGA headquarters building and Museum and created an Endowment for the Future of Golf.

His contributions to the game at every level will be felt for many years to come. The family has indicated that donations can be made and his honor to the Westchester Caddie Scholarship Fund or the Evans Scholars Foundation, care of the Western Golf Association.

(Photo courtesy USGA)