The Samuel Ryder Foundation is currently in the process attempting to honour the Ryder Cup creator with a statue in his native St Albans.
The Foundation - which lists Jack Nicklaus, Tony Jacklin and Peter Alliss as some of its patrons - is applying for planning permission from the local authority.
As such, the organisation is asking for golf fans to submit an email to the St Albans council in support of the proposed idea - following in the footsteps of the likes of Peter Dawson, the R&A's Chief Executive.
All emails should be sent to planningapplications@stalbans.gov.uk, quoting reference 5/2012/3231. The closing day for emails is February 15th.
The organisation has provided a list of suggestions to include in any prospective email (below):
The benefits that the statue would have as a tourist attraction to trade in the city, along with the Samuel Ryder Trail which is already in place.
Why we should honour Samuel Ryder in this way.
Samuel Ryder served the city as a Councillor and Mayor.
He was a major employer in the area.
He introduced one of the earliest sick pay schemes for his employees.
He financially supported many good causes.
He donated The Ryder Cup for the biannual contest between Europe and The United States of America. This has become one of the world's great sporting events. He elevated the status of the professional golfer, by his sponsorship in the 1920s.
The statue should be the first of a number of memorials to worthy citizens of our city.
This will give St Albans a new form of brand identity, think of Samuel Ryder and you think of St Albans.
Any support would be much appreciated.
