London, England: Stephen Proctor, Chairman and Owner of Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS) for more than 35 years, has passed away.

A statement issued by SMS said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our Chairman and Owner since 1985, Stephen Proctor, passed away this weekend.

“Stephen leaves an enormous and lasting legacy, as a loving husband to Lynne and father to four daughters, as a pillar of the world of golf, and as a successful businessman.

“This very much includes as Chairman of Sports Marketing Surveys in Europe and in the USA, where his drive and enthusiasm has been infectious and motivating for all of the team.

“He will be warmly remembered and sorely missed. All of us at Sports Marketing Surveys will remember and treasure his integrity, his incisive mind, his generosity with time and advice and his over-riding passion for the business, which he leaves in strong shape.”

Robert McCowen, previously Non-Executive Director at SMS, who has known and worked with Proctor since 1985 with the AELTC, has taken on the role of acting Chairman.

“Together with the rest of the Board, Rob will steward SMS into the bright future that Stephen was enthusiastically discussing and planning into his final days,” added the statement.

SMS is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.