DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Dec. 20, 2005 – Former Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Commissioner John D. Laupheimer passed away at The London Clinic in London, England, on Dec. 19 after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer. He was 75.
"John’s contributions to the sport of golf are immeasurable, and all of us within the industry are deeply saddened by his passing, but also forever grateful for his leadership and influence on the game," said LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens. "John was LPGA commissioner during a very important time in this organization’s history, and his legacy is one of integrity, respect and passion. On behalf of the entire LPGA family, I’d like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Laupheimer family. He will be missed."
A 1952 graduate of Princeton University, Laupheimer’s involvement in golf administration stemmed from his love of the game and led to a rich legacy of service since 1960. In 1976, his avocation became a vocation when he joined the United States Golf Association as assistant director and later became executive director of administration. He held that post until late 1981 when he became executive director of the LPGA and then succeeded Ray Volpe as commissioner in April 1982.
Laupheimer served as LPGA commissioner from 1982-88, during which time total playing membership of the Tour grew by nearly 50 percent, creating the necessity for the all-exempt Tour that he implemented in 1985. In addition, he is credited with introducing the first non-contributory pension plan in a non-team sport.
Laupheimer received the Patty Berg Award and the Herb Graffis Award in 1988. He joined IMG in 1989 as an international vice president. In 2004, he was awarded the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association Distinguished Service Award for his significant contributions and services to golf.
Laupheimer served as an officer in the United States Navy during the Korean Emergency in 1952 and remained in the Reserves until 1967.
Laupheimer is survived by his wife, Sally Bott; his three children from a previous marriage—John Laupheimer of Weston, Mass., Ann Sonnenfield of Haverford, Pa., and Helen Schlosser of Philadelphia, Pa.; his brother Curtis of Haverford, Pa.; and eight grandchildren.
The funeral service will be at the St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, N.J. on Jan. 4, 2006, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerBACUP, 3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JR.
Contact:
Connie Wilson, LPGA
386-274-6200
