Bill Crumley, U.S. Open Media Assistant, Passes Away



June 23, 2005

Bill Crumley, an invaluable and well-liked member of the USGA media operation at U.S. Opens since 1999, has died.

Crumley, 43, who served as the director of marketing and communications at Madden's on Gull Lake, a resort property in Brainerd, Minn., drowned Wednesday evening while boating. He had just returned home Monday from working at the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

Crumley was the key conduit between the media and competitors during post-round interviews at the U.S. Open. His 'take-charge' yet calm attitude in this often hectic time expertly meshed with energy, humor and professionalism, earning the respect of his co-workers, media and the players.

A 1987 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in communications, he spent 17 years working in the sports information office at his alma mater before moving to Madden's. During his tenure at Minnesota, he served as the media coordinator at many NCAA championships. In addition to volunteering his publicity and media relations expertise at seven U.S. Opens, he was a press officer at the Salt Lake Olympics and several other national scope sporting events.

A native of Minneapolis, he organized a marketing group called the Brainerd Golf Trail and was a key member of the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly and two children, Ben and Ali.

Memorial service details are pending.