Bob Cupp, a Past President and Fellow of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), died Aug. 19, 2016. He was 76. ASGCA members and the golf industry will remember Cupp’s design work around the world, as well as his service to ASGCA and the game of golf.
Cupp headed Bob Cupp, Inc. in Atlanta. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami and a Masters in Fine Arts from the U.S. Army Extension Service.
After a brief career as a professional golfer, Cupp began designing courses. He worked with Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA Fellow, as a senior designer for more than 15 years before forming his own firm. His courses have hosted more than 50 national and international championships and in 1992 Golf World Magazine recognized Cupp as its first-ever Golf Architect of the Year. His work over the years included joint projects with his son, Bobby, a golf course architect and builder.
A published author, Cupp wrote The Edict; a novel from the beginnings of golf, for Random House. He also co-authored Golf’s Grand Design, a conversation on the history and evolution of golf course architecture and companion book to the PBS television show of the same name, with Golf Digest Architecture Senior Editor Ron Whitten.
An artist (Cupp illustrated Ted Williams’ instructional book, The Science of Hitting), blacksmith, writer and musician, Cupp himself wrote that in recent years he continued, “to draw and paint, play golf, build furniture, sing, play the guitar and torture a cello.”
“Bob Cupp was a renaissance man,” said ASGCA President Greg Martin. “He was a poet and author, golf course architect and musician, he loved to tell tales and offer opinions. Bob was a famed golf course architect, mentor to many and friend to all. As a member and as ASGCA President, he provided lyrical perspective during some deeply challenging years.
“On behalf of the ASGCA, we offer our deepest condolences to Bob’s family – know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob was an important part of this organization, and more importantly, he was a cherished member of the ASGCA family.”
With more than 40 years as a golf course architect, Cupp’s course list included: Liberty National Golf Course, Jersey City, New Jersey; Beacon Hall, Ontario, Canada; Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, Portland, Oregon; Crosswater Golf Club, Sunriver, Oregon; Old Waverly Country Club, West Point, Mississippi (with Jerry Pate); and Hawks Ridge Golf Club, Ball Ground, Georgia.
Cupp became an ASGCA member in 1990 and served as President in 2012-13.
Bob is survived by his wife, Pamela Amy-Cupp, their two children, Sengens and Foster Amy-Cupp and his children, Robert E. Cupp Jr., Caren Cupp, Laura Cupp and his seven grandchildren.
“Golf is a fun game; it is why 99% of us continue to play. I hope to lead more people – especially families – to play more golf, more often, for the sheer fun of the game.” Bob Cupp, ASGCA Fellow
The public memorial service will be held Saturday, September 24 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta at 10:30 (EDT). Reception to follow at Ansley Golf Club, Atlanta.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Music Program at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer – www.redeemer.org – 731 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) or to the Bob Cupp Memorial Golf Scholarship for the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation at 2560 Brookdale Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
American Society of Golf Course Architects www.asgca.org