R&A accolade for ‘thrilled’ Olazabal and Jackson
Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal and English amateur legend Bridget Jackson have accepted invitations to become the latest Honorary Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
“I am thrilled and extremely proud,” said Olazabal, winner of 30 titles overall in his career, of his honour. “Winning The R&A’S amateur championships (the boys at Glenbervie 1983 the men’s at Formby a year later) and the Silver Medal in The Open were huge achievements for me and gave me a tremendous boost in the early stages of my career.
“It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many of golf’s great champions in becoming part of the club’s celebrated history.”
Jackson played in the Curtis Cup for Great Britain and Ireland on three occasions and was selected as an England international nine times. She has served as chair and president of the English Ladies Golf Association and President of the Ladies’ Golf Union. She was made a MBE in 2003 for her services to women’s golf. “I have been fortunate to be involved in golf throughout my life and have always enjoyed being able to give something back to the game,” she said. “I look forward to representing the club and playing my part in continuing its great tradition of supporting golf.”
The pair’s acceptance of the invitations was warmly welcomed by Keith Macintosh, captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. He said: “Bridget has graced the game for many years as a fine amateur golfer and exceptional administrator, while Jose María is one of golf’s outstanding champions and has achieved notable success throughout his career as a player and as Ryder Cup captain. Both of them horoughly deserve this recognition.”