GOLF TEACHING PRO MAGAZINE^®

IN MEMORIUM
JULIUS RICHARDSON - 1921-2007
MOST DECORATED USGTF PROFESSIONAL PASSES AWAY AT AGE 86
 

Julius Richardson, honored as the Teacher of the 20th Century by the USGTF, passed away on September 26. Julius lost his brave battle against throat cancer at the age of 86.

He was the first, and so far only, African-American to be named to Golf Magazine’s prestigious Top 100 Teachers list, joining such notables as fellow USGTF Master Teaching Professional Bob Toski, Butch Harmon, Dave Pelz, Jim McLean, David Leadbetter, and Jim Flick. In addition, he was named as one of the World Golf Teachers Federation’s Top 60 teachers in 2006. Julius appeared on The Golf Channel in 2001, imparting his wisdom to a national audience. He authored the book Better Golf: A Skill Building Approach, which used his experience in the Army as the basis for his teaching method.

“Julius will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched,” said USGTF president Geoff Bryant. “He had a way of putting his students at ease, which was one of the things that made him a great teacher.” Well into his 80’s, Julius could be found plying his trade on a daily basis at the Willow Glen Golf Course at the Great Lakes Naval Base near Chicago. He didn’t start teaching on a full-time basis until age 65, after a distinguished military, aerospace, and insurance career.

Not only was Julius an excellent teacher, he also had an excellent game. He won several military championships while in the Army, often shooting under par. He split so many fairways dead-center that one of his nicknames was “Sprinkler Head” Richardson. His playing background gave him the experience which enabled him to coach a number of outstanding players.

So long, Julius. Those who were privileged to know you will always remember you, and the mark you made on this Earth will never be forgotten.

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