PGA appoints World Cup winner as 86th captain

David Llewellyn has been named the 86th captain of the Professional Golfers’ Association.

The 72-year-old Welshman, whose CV includes one European Tour win and a World Cup victory alongside Ian Woosnam, is the executive head professional at Carden Park in Cheshire and will succeed David Scott in March 2026.

In doing so, he will add his name to a list of illustrious predecessors that includes PGA co-founders James Braid, Harry Vardon and JH Taylor, three-time Open champion Sir Henry Cotton, Ryder Cup captains Dai Rees and Bernard Gallacher, as well as the “voice of golf”, Peter Alliss.

Reacting to his appointment, Llewellyn said: “I’m absolutely bowled over. I was knocked sideways when I was asked.

“Being entrusted to represent the PGA, uphold its good name, and be its figurehead for a year is a huge honour. As it is to follow in the footsteps of some very famous names, some of whom I know and have played with.

“I played with Bernard Gallacher when he was at the top of his game and, as a young Welshman, Dave Thomas and Dai Rees looked after me when I was making my way in the game. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play with Peter Alliss, but he said some nice things about me when he was commentating.”

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PGA chairman Alan White added: “It’s an elite band and to be a member of it is very special.

“The captain is the face of the Association when in post and David has exemplified all the positive aspects of a PGA professional during his stellar career.

“He’s excelled as a coach, played and won at the game’s highest level, managed golf clubs, and been an inspiration to injured servicemen in helping them overcome their disabilities and get into the game. There is no doubt he will be a credit to the Association before, during and after his captaincy.”

Llewellyn was named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year at the age of 20, but he had to wait until 1988 – a year after that World Cup win alongside Woosnam – for what turned out to be his only European Tour win at the AGF Biarritz Open with a record-low aggregate score of 258 – an achievement that was equalled by Woosnam in 1990 and stood for 32 years until Andy Sullivan surpassed it by a shot at the 2020 English Open.

Llewellyn also experienced success in Africa, winning the Ivory Coast and Zambia Opens before returning to coaching and life as a club professional in the early 1990s.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he added. “As I said, I’m bowled over and certainly never expected to receive such an honour.”