Richmond's Randy Jones Wins PGA's Deacon Palmer Award

RICHMOND, TX — Randy Jones, a Texas PGA professional is the winner of the prestigious Deacon Palmer Award. Jones, who serves as the South Texas Territory Manager for Club Car, in Richmond, was recognized at the 2019 PGA of America National Award presentation at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Jones, a former PGA Head Professional, changed his career path after a life-changing moment came in January 2011, when the then-33-year-old visited a dermatologist and was diagnosed with Stage II melanoma skin cancer.

The news sent Jones on a journey that included a lot of soul searching and a nearly 4-year battle. His cancer elevated to Stage IV in January 2015, spreading to his kidneys and brain. Undaunted and supported by the renowned team at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Jones underwent nearly three years of treatment, 47 doses of immunotherapy, nine chemotherapy doses and multiple surgeries. Nearly a year later, Jones was cancer-free.

He also volunteered for MD Anderson’s Advance Team as an At-Large Member and Sun Safety Ambassador.

Jones is one of golf’s leading advocates for skin cancer awareness. With 70,000 new cases diagnosed each year, Jones has delivered his story and message to more than 3,000 junior golfers, parents and patrons.

Among his community outreach efforts was hosting a Sun Safety Clinic at the 2017-‘18 Tour Championship in Atlanta.

In 2016, Jones teamed with Topgolf and World Golf Hall of Famer Colin Montgomerie to raise funds for cancer research.

He also joined The AIM at Melanoma Foundation, assisting with fundraising events. At the Section level, Jones was named 2016 Southern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year. He has also been a guest on Golf Channel and in a CBS Special, “Making Cancer History,” which aims to keep Skin Cancer Awareness a year-round focus for golfers.