Crow donates $100,000 to The Institute
Tom Crow, founder of Cobra Golf and former Australia Amateur golf champion, has contributed $100,000 to The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Crow has also committed to another three-year term on The Institute’s Advisory Council, which provides guidance to The Institute’s board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members were selected to enhance The Institute’s ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute. The Advisory Council is headed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman. Crow began his service on the Advisory Council in 2004, following three years as a member of The Institute’s board of trustees.
"Tom Crow has been a friend to The Institute for many years," said Norman, chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises. "His unwavering support, innovative ideas as well as his time and financial contributions have helped shape its strategic direction. His commitment to another term on the Advisory Council is a strong vote of confidence for The Institute."
Crow won club championships at Kingston Heath, Royal Melbourne and Royal Sydney. He also won the 1952 Victorian Close Championship, the 1956 Victorian Amateur Championship and the 1957 Victorian Champion of Champions, setting a course record of 63 on Royal Melbourne’s West Course. He represented Victoria on the state team, won the 1961 Australian Amateur Championship and represented Australia in the Eisenhower International Teams Championship in 1962 and 1964. In 1973, Crow and his family moved to the United States, and with $60,000 he founded Cobra Golf Inc., dedicated to bringing the best in equipment at an affordable price to golfers at all experience levels. Endorsed by the likes of Norman and Hale Irwin, Cobra’s selling price more than two decades later was $750 million, highlighting a phenomenal financial success story that has had a vital impact on the game.
Crow developed the legendary "Baffler," a utility wood that began an arms race by nearly all other golf companies to recreate. He initiated the three-wedge system, created the first extra-length driver and reintroduced graphite shafts to the market for lighter-weight clubs. Crow’s contributions on behalf of the game continue today and include his role in bringing the life story of famous golfer Bobby Jones to movie screens in Bobby Jones – Stroke of Genius. He was awarded the 2003 Ernie Sabayrac Award by the PGA of America for "life contribution to the golf industry."
"I have been very fortunate to have been around the great game of golf my entire life," Crow said. "I wanted to continue my commitment to The Institute because of the important role environmental stewardship plays with golf."
The Environmental Institute for Golf’s Advisory Council:
Gregg Breningmeyer, John Deere Golf & Turf One Source director of sales and marketing
Tom Crow, founder of Cobra Golf and a retired trustee for The Institute
Pete Dye, golf course architect
John Foster, West Coast Turf president
Sergio Garcia, PGA Tour professional
Dana Garmany, Troon Golf chairman and CEO
Jack R. Harrell Jr., Harrell’s Fertilizer CEO
Bill Jones III, Sea Island Co. chairman and CEO
Paul C. Kanavos, Flag Luxury Properties, LLC chairman and CEO
Bill Kubly, Landscapes Unlimited CEO and immediate past chairman of The Institute’s board of trustees
Owen G. Larkin, Vineyard Golf Club (Edgartown, Mass.) president
Rafael Martinez, Republic Capital Corp. president and Institute trustee
Gary N. McClung, Midway Ford/Sterling Truck Center president and developer of Quintero Golf and Country Club (Peoria, Ariz.)
Ken Melrose, retired chairman and CEO of The Toro Co.
Greg Norman, Advisory Council chairman, Institute trustee and Great White Shark Enterprises chairman and CEO
Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, Valderrama Golf Club (Sotogrande, Spain) owner and president
David Pillsbury, president of PGA Tour Golf Course Properties and chairman of The Institute’s board of trustees
Vijay Singh, PGA Tour professional
Joe Steranka, PGA of America CEO
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Dubai World chairman
Weldon Wyatt, Sage Valley Golf Club (Graniteville, S.C.) founder and CEO
The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA director of communications
(800) 472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org
