Jim Sykes, longtime GAP Executive Director, dies at age 78The Golf Association of Philadelphia lost a dear friend on Sunday with the passing of longtime former Executive Director James D. Sykes. Mr. Sykes has battled cancer since retiring from the Association in 2000. He was 78. Mr. Sykes served as the organization’s Executive Director from 1976-2000. During his tenure, Mr. Sykes transformed the Association into one of the most respected and effective local golf organizations in the country. He oversaw the introduction of computers for establishing handicaps and spearheaded the transition of welcoming public facilities into the Association in 1995. In addition, he also served as Executive Director of both the Pennsylvania Golf Association and Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust, a cause dear to his heart. In addition to being a world-class golf administrator, Mr. Sykes was a top player. He competed for the University of North Carolina and in 1954 captured the Pennsylvania Amateur Championship. He was twice victorious in the prestigious Crump Cup at Pine Valley (1964, 1971) where he was a member, and twice a finalist in the Golf Association of Philadelphia Amateur Championship (1956, 1961), where he earned runner-up honors Howard Everitt. The Association recognized Mr. Sykes with its most prestigious award, the Arnold Palmer Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2001, for his longtime service. He is survived by wife Sue, daughter Dana, son Andy and five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kids on the Hill, an inner-city youth golf organization Mr. Sykes started, at Kids on the Hill, 1013 Crest Road, Wynnewood,PA 19096 or the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust, 1974 Sproul Road, Suite 400, Broomall, PA 19008.
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A Walk Through Time
GAP is the oldest state or regional golf association in the country. It started courtesy of a friendly competition – the Team Matches – and has grown into the preeminent golf association in the country. Along the way, golf history has been made.
