Former Executive Committee Member Laupheimer Dies


December 20, 2005

John Laupheimer, a former member of the USGA Executive Committee as well as the USGA staff, died Monday in London, England, at the age of 75 following a long bout with cancer. Laupheimer had slipped into a coma a few weeks ago.

The native of Philadelphia served on the USGA Executive Committee from 1974-76 before being asked to join the staff as the executive director of administration under Executive Director P.J. Boatwright.

Prior to that, he served as the president of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., and was instrumental in bringing the 1966 U.S. Amateur and 1971 U.S. Open to the club. Merion, which hosted the 2005 U.S. Amateur, has hosted more USGA championships than any other club in the country (17). Laupheimer also was the president of the Pennsylvania Golf Association before being asked to join the Executive Committee in 1974.

Following his stint at the USGA, Laupheimer became the second commissioner of the LPGA Tour and served in that role from 1982-88. During his tenure, Laupheimer elevated the status of that professional circuit by increasing the number of tournaments and purses, which led to expanded television coverage and an increase in spectators. Prize money went from $6.4 million to $12.5 million. He also is credited for attracting major corporate sponsorship to women's golf.

Laupheimer left the LPGA Tour to join International Management Group as an international vice president, but he also remained active as a USGA volunteer. In 1988, Laupheimer received the Patty Berg and the Herb Graffis Awards for his accomplishments. And in 2004, the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association presented him with the Distinguished Services Award for his contributions to the game.

A funeral service will be held Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. at the St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, N.J. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider a donation to CancerBACUP at 3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, England EC2A 3JR.