Warren Smith, American golfer and coach (b. 1915)

Warren F. Smith, Jr. (October 20, 1915 – May 3, 2015) was a distinguished American professional golfer, a revered club professional, and a profound mentor whose influence shaped generations of golfers and the landscape of the sport itself. His remarkable journey, spanning nearly a century, took him from the golf courses of the American South to the prestigious greens of the PGA Tour and some of the nation’s most iconic country clubs, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went.

Early Life and Amateur Acclaim

Born in Escanaba, Michigan, Warren Smith’s family soon relocated to Gadsden, Alabama, a move that would providentially introduce him to the game of golf at the tender age of 11. His natural talent quickly shone through; by 16, he had already secured his first match victory. At 18, he made headlines by setting a new amateur record of 31 at the esteemed Gadsden Country Club. His promising amateur career culminated at 19, when he triumphed at the 25th annual Beauvoir Country Club Invitational in Montgomery, Alabama, foreshadowing a future filled with significant achievements.

Service and the Dawn of a Professional Career

As the world grappled with the Second World War, Warren Smith contributed to the war effort, serving a dedicated three-month stint in the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1945. In a critical role, he delivered vital troop supplies to Naples, Italy, a testament to his commitment beyond the golf course. Upon his return to the United States, Smith transitioned seamlessly into the professional golf world, accepting a position as the head professional at Seiberling Country Club in Akron, Ohio, while also working for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. His reputation quickly grew, and just one year later, he was appointed the inaugural head professional at the newly opened Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas, a role that would prove pivotal in his career.

A Record-Setting Performance on the PGA Tour

Warren Smith was renowned for his powerful drives and exceptionally accurate iron play, a combination that made him a formidable competitor. His most celebrated moment as a player arrived in 1955 during the Texas Open. On the challenging Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio, Smith achieved what was then an extraordinary feat: he carded an astonishing seven birdies in a row. This remarkable streak set a new record for a PGA event, a testament to his precision and consistency under pressure. The record stood proudly for six years until 1961 when Bob Goalby surpassed it with eight consecutive birdies during the St. Petersburg Open.

Shaping Oak Hills and Mentoring Future Stars

Smith’s tenure at Oak Hills Country Club extended far beyond the traditional duties of a head professional. He was instrumental in elevating the club's profile, notably by playing a key role in attracting the prestigious Texas Open to Oak Hills, where it was successfully hosted from 1961 to 1966. This brought national attention and some of golf’s biggest names to San Antonio. During this period, Smith frequently played with legends such as Dow Finsterwald and the charismatic Arnold Palmer, who famously secured three consecutive Texas Open victories in 1960, 1961, and 1962. Beyond his playing connections, Smith was deeply committed to developing young talent. He spearheaded Oak Hills' Junior Program, which produced four all-city champions, and personally mentored numerous aspiring golfers. Among his notable protégés was Joe Conrad, who went on to win the esteemed British Amateur in 1955, a significant international triumph. Smith's coaching prowess was also evident when he led the Trinity University (Texas) golf team to a memorable victory in 1952 over the powerhouse North Texas State University. This particular win was North Texas State's sole loss from 1949 to 1952, a period during which they dominated collegiate golf, clinching four NCAA golf championships, underscoring the magnitude of Trinity's upset.

A Legacy at Cherry Hills and National Recognition

In 1963, Warren Smith embarked on a new chapter, taking on the role of head professional at the renowned Cherry Hills Country Club in Englewood, Colorado. This move solidified his standing among the elite club professionals in the nation. His dedication to the game and his profession culminated in 1973 when he was named the PGA Golf Professional of the Year, a prestigious accolade recognizing his outstanding contributions. In a rare and deeply personal honor, Cherry Hills Country Club awarded him a coveted red jacket and an honorary lifetime membership. At that time, this extraordinary distinction had only been conferred upon two other towering figures: former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, an avid golfer, and the iconic Arnold Palmer, highlighting the immense respect and admiration Smith commanded within the golf community.

A Competitor's Spirit and Enduring Skill

Despite his demanding roles as a club professional and mentor, Warren Smith maintained a formidable playing career. He competed in two PGA Championships, reaching the quarterfinals of match play in 1957—a significant achievement in one of golf's major championships. His competitive spirit also saw him participate in the 1966 U.S. Open and finish second in the 1965 Colorado Open, showcasing his consistent performance on demanding courses. Smith was known for his remarkable longevity and love for the game, famously shooting his age at 66 and continuing to do so every year until he finally retired from competitive play in 2003, at the impressive age of 87. Throughout his career, he accumulated an enviable record of seven holes-in-one and three double eagles, rare feats that underscore his exceptional skill and occasional flashes of brilliance on the course.

Cultivating Future Professionals and Leadership Roles

During his impactful tenure at Cherry Hills, Smith's commitment to golf education continued unabated. He mentored a remarkable 16 assistant professionals who, under his guidance, ascended to become head professionals at prominent country clubs across the nation, from bustling metropolitan centers like Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, and New Orleans to scenic resort towns such as Denver and Vail. His leadership extended into the administrative aspects of the sport as well. Smith served an impressive three terms as president of the Central Texas PGA Section and an even longer five terms as president of the Colorado PGA Section, demonstrating his dedication to fostering the growth and professionalism of golf at the regional level.

Hall of Fame Inductions and Lasting Tributes

Warren Smith's profound impact on golf did not go unrecognized. He was inducted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame in 1978, a testament to his contributions to the sport within the state. Further illustrating his enduring legacy, the Colorado Section's lifetime achievement award was fittingly named in his honor, and he was its inaugural recipient in 1986. His national recognition culminated in 2005 when he was enshrined in the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame, celebrating a lifetime devoted to the game. That very same year, Oak Hills Country Club, where he had made such a significant early impact, established a Junior Golfer Scholarship bearing his name, ensuring that his commitment to nurturing young talent would continue to inspire future generations.

Later Life and Enduring Legacy

Warren Smith spent much of his later life in Denver, Colorado, until 2013, when he moved to Phoenix, Arizona. He passed away peacefully on May 3, 2015, just months shy of his 100th birthday, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the world of golf. His influence continues through his family; his son, Warren W. Smith, serves as president of Pine Canyon, a distinguished golf course community in Flagstaff, Arizona. In a lasting tribute to his extraordinary career and life, Outskirts Press published a comprehensive book detailing Warren F. Smith, Jr.'s professional journey in January 2009, allowing his story to resonate with golf enthusiasts for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Warren F. Smith, Jr.

What was Warren F. Smith, Jr.'s most notable playing achievement?
His most significant playing achievement occurred during the 1955 Texas Open, where he set a PGA event record by hitting seven consecutive birdies at Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio. This record stood for six years.
Which prestigious clubs did he serve as head professional?
He served as head professional at Seiberling Country Club in Akron, Ohio; Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas (where he was the first head pro); and Cherry Hills Country Club in Englewood, Colorado.
Who were some of the famous golfers Warren Smith played with or mentored?
He frequently played with golf legends like Dow Finsterwald and Arnold Palmer. He also mentored numerous young golfers, including Joe Conrad, who later won the British Amateur, and 16 assistant professionals who went on to become head pros across the country.
What national recognition did Warren F. Smith, Jr. receive?
He was named the PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1973 and was inducted into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame in 2005. He also received an honorary lifetime membership from Cherry Hills Country Club, a distinction shared with President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Arnold Palmer at the time.
Did he have any military service?
Yes, in 1945, he served three months in the U.S. Merchant Marine, delivering troop supplies to Naples, Italy, during World War II.