Former PGAs of Europe Honorary President, Education Committee Chairman and Chairman of the PGA of France, Jean-Etienne Lafitte, sadly passed away on 9th May after a long illness.
Jean-Etienne was a figurehead at the forefront of professional education for PGA Professionals and a key driver in the creation and development of the PGAs of Europe.
His work with the Association, the PGA of France and the Fédération Française de Golf (FFGolf) has impacted upon almost every PGA Professional that has gone through a training programme across Europe. He was recognised many times for his influence on golf in Europe, including most recently Special Recognition by the FFGolf as a Master in his field.
“On behalf of all PGAs of Europe Officials and Staff, both past and present, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Jean-Etienne’s family and friends for the loss of such a fantastic person,” said PGAs of Europe Chief Executive, Ian Randell.
“Jean-Etienne was not only hugely influential in the development of our Association, but also in many of us as individuals. Not least of all the tens of thousands of PGA Professionals across Europe and the wider world that have been influenced by his vision and efforts in developing professional education. His energetic personality and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by all.”
In 2010 he succeeded Heinz Fehring as Honorary President at the 2010 Annual Congress and later handed over to Donato Di Ponziano in 2012.In 2003, Jean-Etienne retired from his position as EC Chairman handing over the reins to Leif Ohlsson, who then later passed the leadership to its current Chairman, Jonathan Mannie. Jean-Etienne was recognised by the Association with the Christer Lindberg Bowl award that was later bolstered by the 5 Star Professional Award in 2008.
He also acted as a Golf Development Consultant for the PGAs of Europe working on behalf of The R&A carrying out various missions in many countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay.
PGAs of Europe Chairman, Sandy Jones, added: “Jean-Etienne was without doubt one of the nicest people I have ever met. His passion for the PGAs of Europe was never-ending and he had the vision and the drive to establish the foundation stones of our education across Europe that have brought us to the successful position we now enjoy. We should all be indebted to him for his outstanding contribution and wonderful vision.”
Jean-Etienne was a stalwart figure in the PGAs of Europe across its entire history having attended the exploratory meeting of several PGAs at Wentworth in 1989 and was heavily involved in the official formation the following year.
1990 also saw Jean-Etienne chair the very first Training Standards Committee meeting, which later became the Education Committee (EC). His vision and leadership of the Committee established a recognised European Standard for professional qualification that was accepted by all member countries.
Current Chairman of the EC, Jonathan Mannie, said: “One very special person for me during my time with the PGAs of Europe has been Jean-Etienne Lafitte. I remember at the Annual Congress many years ago I had the privilege of sitting next to him. Halfway through he gave me a little note – he had written ‘It is tremendous to see your enthusiasm and your concentration’. That was really special coming from somebody like him.”
Jean-Etienne’s influence outside of the PGAs of Europe cannot be overstated – his involvement with French golf started long before. He became the PGA of France’s Chairman in 1981 and was French National Team Coach from 1983 to 1992, where he led the junior national team to a European Championship title in 1988, his last year as the PGA’s Chair. He was National Technical Director until 1997 during which time he helped to establish the first Federal School for golf coaches.
“As a passionate and erudite golfer, master teacher and friend, Jean-Etienne was outstanding,” said current PGAs of Europe Honorary President, Pierre Bechmann. “He only had the interest of the game of golf at heart. He wanted all golfers to live up to the game’s principles and traditions. He saw how golf could help individuals to be better people. He has given a great deal to golf and will be remembered for his exceptional and enthusiastic contribution to the game.”
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