Curtis M. "Curt" Walker, 1936-2020

Minnesota

Curtis M. “Curt” Walker
1936-2020
 
Longtime advocate of golf and industry leader Curt Walker, a Minnesota native, passed away last month on June 18. He played a pivotal part in the growth and development of golf throughout the country, especially here in his home state.

Walker was born in St. Paul to Dr. Arthur Walker and his wife Esther. After graduating from St. Thomas Academy, he married Jan (his wife of 61 years). Walker attended Michigan State University for undergraduate studies followed by the University of Minnesota for his Master’s degree. His career began in the hotel business in downtown Minneapolis before shifting his work to one of his greatest passions, the game of golf. He started managing Ft. Snelling Golf Course in ’79 and then took over Brockway Golf Course in Rosemont. He was so successful that he was invited to lead the National Golf Course Owners Association as their first Executive Director in ‘84. Last January, Walker was given an award by the organization he used to serve because he had left such an “enduring mark…through the highest level of commitment, service and leadership.”

After his time with the NGCOA, Walker served as the Secretary of the Midwest Golf Course Owners Association for 20 years. Another way he served the game was by helping to found the Golf Course Management program at University of Wisconsin-Stout. He also taught classes at the university to help develop the next generation of golf industry leaders.

Fueled by his passion and devotion for the game, there is no doubt that Walker’s leadership and vision propelled golf into the future on both a national and local scale. The countless golfers, volunteers, committee members, staff, and course owners he connected with over the years show how big of an impact he made in the golf community. 

Walker is survived by his children (Steve, Jeff, Wendy, Kelley, Kathey and Patrick), his brother (Stuart), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.