John Jacobs, described as the father of modern day golf, has died at the age of 91.

Ryder Cup player, tournament winner, administrator, writer and world renowned coach, the Yorkshireman left an indelible mark on the history of the game.

From the game’s best players to the humble beginners, Jacobs’s pearls of wisdom were imparted to all walks of golfing life while his drive, vision and innovation helped lay the foundations for the European Tour's expansion.

“John has quite properly been defined as the father of European golf,” said Ken Schofield, who succeeded Jacobs as executive director of the fledgling European circuit in 1975. “He turned the vision into reality and the position of respect commanded by Europe in the world of golf owes much to his pioneering spirit.”

Sandy Jones, the chief executive of the PGA, said: “John Jacobs will be fondly remembered by those of us who were privileged to know him. Quite simply he was a legend of the game and his name will sit at the top table with all the golfing greats.”