In 1997, Judy Bell became the first female president of the USGA in its then 102-year history. The standout amateur turned golf trailblazer was asked the morning after her election how it felt to be a woman leading one of the most influential associations in sports, to which she responded, “I don’t know yet how it feels to be president because I’ve only been one for a few hours, but I know how it feels to be a woman because I’ve been one for 59 years.”
In her two one-year terms, Bell helped bring the sport to juniors, players with disabilities and other underrepresented groups, contributing more than $65 million to a wide array of programs, changing the scope of golf forever. It was all part of a mindset dedicated to giving back and bettering a game she loved, something the golf world was reminded of once more with the news of Bell’s passing at age 89 in November.
There are others golf lost in 2025 who, like Bell, had an impact on the sport that will live on for years to come. We hope the following tributes to this group—talented legends, prolific writers and teachers of all shapes and sizes—can, in a small way, pay homage to their lives and highlight how golf connects us all. Those mentioned below cared about the game and tried to improve it through hard work, stellar play and thoughtful analysis.
Mary Bryan
A pioneer in golf television as well as a former LPGA pro and college coach at Louisville. Worked more than 300 national broadcasts for CBS, NBC, ABC, Golf Channel, ESPN and the PGA Tour Radio Network among others as a commentator. She is credited as the first woman to broadcast a men’s major PGA Tour event when she called the PGA Championship at Riviera in 1995. Was also one of three golfers on the U.S.O. Tour of South Vietnam in 1972. (Dec. 31, 2024, age 78)
Chen Ching-Po 
Augusta National
Taiwanese pro golfer described as the “Ben Hogan of Asia” by Gene Sarazen. Had a T-15 finish at the Masters in 1963 and won the Yomiuri International on the Asia Golf Circuit. Represented Taiwan at 11 straight Canada Cup tournaments from 1956 through 1966. (Jan. 14, age 93)
Kultida Woods 
Sam Greenwood
Mother of 82-time PGA Tour winner Tiger Woods. Worked as a civilian secretary doing clerical work for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War when she met Earl Woods in 1966; they eventually moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., and then Cypress, Calif. “My Mom doesn’t get enough credit,” Tiger said at the Bob Jones Award ceremony in June 2024. “They all thought that it was me and Dad on the road, which it was, but Mom was at home. If you don’t know, Mom has been there my entire life, she’s always been there through thick and thin.” (Feb. 4, age 80)
FROM THE ARCHIVE: To understand the essence of Tiger, you have to know his mother
Peter Kuchar 
Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images
Father of PGA Tour veteran Matt Kuchar whose enthusiasm for golf (and his son) was on display while caddieing for the then reigning U.S. Amateur champion at the 1998 Masters and U.S. Open. When he wasn’t watching Matt play PGA Tour events, worked as a life insurance salesman and was a nationally ranked tennis player. (Feb. 4, age 74)
Brian Waites
English club professional with 41 tournament wins, including two victories on the European Tour. Played on the European Ryder Cup team at PGA National in 1983; was the last working PGA Club pro to do so. Was a two-time winner on the European PGA Tour. (March 8, age 85)
Junior Bridgeman
Former NBA player who went on to serve on the PGA of America board and was an owner in Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. Became a successful businessman post-basketball career as a fast-food restaurant magnate, owning many Wendy’s and Chili’s locations, and purchasing Ebony and Jet magazines. Bought a 10-percent stake in the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024. (March 11, age 71)
John Feinstein 
CBS Photo Archive
Long-time sports reporter for the Washington Post, The Sporting News and a contributing writer for Golf Digest. Perhaps best-known for Season on the Brink, the book chronicling Indiana University’s 1985–86 basketball season under controversial coach Bobby Knight. A prolific writer who wrote more than 40 books, including several golf titles, from Tiger Woods deep dives to Q School tales and Ryder Cup chronicles. Was a visiting professor of sports journalism at Duke University, his alma mater, and was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. (March 16, age 69)
Dave Pelz 
Chris Condon
A beloved American golf coach known for his writing on the art of the short game. Pelz’s Short Game Bible was a New York Times best-seller in 1999, and 11 of his pro students won a combined 21 majors. Hosted “The Dave Pelz Scoring Game Show” on the Golf Channel from 1995 to 2005 and was named by Golf Digest as one of the 25 most influential instructors of the 20th century. “I have so many things to say about this incredible man,” Phil Mickelson posted. “I owe so much of my success to the many things he taught me, and he lives on as I share those same insights to numerous other golfers. (March 23, age 85)
MORE: 5 research-based tips from a legendary short-game guru
Peter McEvoy
One of Britain’s best amateur golfers, claiming the British Amateur title in 1977 and 1979 and earning low amateur honors at the Open Championship in 1978 and 1979. Went on to become the first British amateur to make the cut at the Masters. After his playing career, was a Walker Cup captain and became instrumental in helping Great Britain & Ireland win three-straight cups from 1999-2003 after winning just four times in the previous 36 matches. Also was a popular golf course designer, including Fota Island Golf Course, which hosted the 2001 Irish Open. In 2002, was named Chairman of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Selection Committee. In 2003, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for “services to golf.” (April 6, age 72)
Jay Sigel 
Augusta National
One of the top American amateur golfers in the 1970s and 1980s, when he won five USGA titles (two U.S. Amateurs and three U.S. Mid-Amateurs). Pennsylvania native earned low amateur in the 1980 Open Championship, the 1984 U.S. Open, and the Masters in 1980 (above), 1981 and 1988, while developing his own insurance business. Competed on nine Walker Cup teams and became the only golfer to win the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur in the same year (1983). Eventually turned pro after his 50th birthday and went on to become an eight-time PGA Tour Champions winner. (April 19, age 81)
FROM THE ARCHIVE: How Jay Sigel became one of the best amateurs of all time
J.C. Snead 
Augusta National
An eight-time PGA Tour winner, four-time PGA Tour Champions winner and runner-up finisher at both the Masters and U.S. Open. Nephew of Hall of Fame golfer Sam Snead, took up the game when his own father worked at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va. Played pro baseball in the Washington Senators farm system before dedicating himself to golf. Beat Jack Nicklaus in a playoff at the 1995 Ford Senior Players Championship, a senior major. (April 25, age 84)
Jim Dent 
Stan Badz
A native of Augusta, Ga., who caddied at Augusta National as a teenager before eventually going on to a combined 40-year PGA Tour-PGA Tour Champions career. Won 12 times on the senior tour and also won the first two World Long Drive Championships in the mid-1970s. A member of the African-American Golfers Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame in 2022. (May 2, age 85)
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Can anyone dent the ball like Jim?
Barbara McIntire
A two-time U.S. Women’s Amateur champion who was a regular member of the American Curtis Cup teams in the 1960s. Remained in golf after her playing career ended, becoming chairperson of the USGA Women’s Committee. Was awarded the USGA’s highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, in 2000 for distinguished sportsmanship. (May 6, age 90)
FROM THE ARCHIVE: A big year for Barbara
Katsuhiro Miura
Famed Japanese golf clubmaker who began his career in the 1950s. Started Miura Golf in 1977, using his sense of technique and distinct innovations that allowed his forged irons to gain attention for the sometimes mystical performance characteristic of feel. Described as having “hands of God” by Japanese golf media, with two Masters champions and a U.S. Open winner credited with using his irons during their victories. (May 14, age 82)
Jo Ann Prentice 
Hy Peskin Archive
An LPGA pioneer and six-time winner on the LPGA Tour, known for clutch putting and her feistiness on the course. Grew up in Roebuck, Ala., winning the state amateur championship in 1954, and was eventually inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Opened The Golf Shop, along with fellow former pro Beth Stone, which was a full instruction and merchandise facility. (May 18, age 92)
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Women tour pros can show their tempers, too. Ask Jo Ann Prentice
Jim Carras
Legendary University of Michigan golf coach whose program won eight team titles and 17 individual titles over his 24 years (1978-82 as an assistant; 1983-2002 as head coach). Guided famous Wolverines such as Michael Harris, Dan Roberts, Kyle Dobbs and Andy Matthews. Known for his mentorship and focus on the classroom, along with the course. (June 21, age 92)
Ed Fiori 
PGA TOUR Archive
Long-time PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions pro, nicknamed “The Grip,” who grew up sneaking through a barbed wire fence to a nearby nine-hole course to practice. Played golf at college powerhouse Houston before turning pro in 1977. Had a T-6 finish at the 1980 Masters, as well as a T-9 finish at the 1989 PGA Championship. At age 40, chased down Tiger Woods in the final round to win the 1996 Quad Cities Classic in the eventual great’s third pro start on tour; it was the last of Fiori’s PGA Tour victories. (July 6, age 72)
Tom Cousins
An American real estate developer who helped shape Atlanta sports. Bought the St. Louis Hawks NBA team and moved them to Georgia, and eventually purchased East Lake Golf Club. He helped revive Bobby Jones’ old home course, with the help of designer Rees Jones, and turned it into the Tour Championship host we know it as today. Founded the East Lake Foundation, which revitalizes neighborhoods across the city of Atlanta. Received the USGA’s Bob Jones Award in 2001. (July 29, age 93)
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Tom Cousins and a new approach to inner-city golf
Mike Hill 
Ryan Young
A three-time PGA Tour winner and 18-time PGA Tour Champions victor. Was a good friend of Lee Trevino (pictured above), and the duo went on to win the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf five times. Before joining the PGA Tour, was in the Air Force, drove a beer manufacturer’s truck for five years, worked at a tire shop and was a head pro at a country club. Named Senior PGA Tour Player of the Year in 1991. (Aug. 4, age 86)
Jim McGlothlin
PGA Tour Golf Course Advisory Board member, as well as a well-known fundraiser and philanthropist. Spearheaded a PGA Tour record for most money raised in a single day, with $15.1 million all going to the Mountain Mission School (MMS) for at-risk children. (Aug. 6, age 85)
John Harris
Remains the last 25-and-older golfer to win the U.S. Amateur title when claiming the Havemeyer Trophy in 1993. Turned pro in the 1970s after playing golf (and hockey) at the University of Minnesota before getting his amateur status back in 1983. Was a 10-time Minnesota Player of the Year and inductee into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame. Turned pro again to play on the PGA Tour Champions after turning 50, winning once. Shot an even-par 72 at Edina Country Club a week before his death. (Sept. 17, age 73)
Cody “Beef” Franke
Barstool Sports influencer, beloved “Fore Play” podcaster and the media company’s first “Head Golf Professional.” Known for his generosity and positivity. Before Barstool Sports, worked as a pro at Desert Willow Golf Resort in California and Thornberry Creek in Wisconsin. (Oct. 25, age 31)
What would Beef do if he won the @Internetinvite money?
Donate to charity. Pay off his parents’ house.
Just the type of guy Cody Franke was, man.
RIP ❤️pic.twitter.com/CJ8kgbQ10z
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) November 13, 2025
Judy Bell 
Robert Walker
A trailblazer in the game of golf. The first female president of the USGA and a two-time Curtis Cup player. Given the Bob Jones Award in 2016 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001 in the Lifetime Achievement category. Among the first women to receive an honorary lifetime membership at the historic Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. A big supporter of golf programs for juniors, players with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. “Judy Bell was more than a leader,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “She was a force of nature whose vision and compassion shaped the very soul of the game.” (Nov. 3, age 89)
FROM THE ARCHIVE: The Bell of the ball
Fuzzy Zoeller 
Bettmann
A two-time major champ (1979 Masters, 1984 U.S. Open) known for his laid-back disposition and gregarious nature. Was the first player to win the green jacket in his tournament debut since Gene Sarazen in 1935; no player has won in his debut since. A 10-time PGA Tour winner, as well as a two-time PGA Tour Champions winner. Voted the 1985 winner of the USGA’s Bob Jones Award and competed in three Ryder Cups. (Nov. 27, age 74)
RELATED: Fuzzy Zoeller’s legacy should be more than his darkest moment
Denis Durnian
An English professional golfer who won three times on the European Senior Tour. Tied for eighth place at the Open Championship in 1983 and finished runner‑up on the Order of Merit in both 2001 and 2002. At the 1983 Open, Durnian shot a front-nine score of 28 at Royal Birkdale on Friday, which is still the lowest nine-hole total recorded in The Open. (Dec. 1, age 75)
Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki
A former professional baseball player as a teen who turned to golf and went on to become one of two males from Japan to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Won 114 titles worldwide including a record 94 on the Japan Golf Tour. Competed in 19 Masters (highlighted by a T-8 in 1973) and 13 U.S. Opens (his best finish a T-6 in 1989). Played on the 1996 Presidents Cup International team the same year he ascended to his highest career rank (fifth) in the OWGR. (Dec. 23, age 78)
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
