Arthur “Red” Hoffman (1990)

Arthur “Red” Hoffman, New Jersey’s quintessential golf journalist, worked tirelessly for over forty years to promote the game of golf in his home state and the metropolitan area.

Born in Minnesota in 1918, Red Hoffman, so named because of a distinguishing mane of strawberry red hair, found his way to New Jersey following a stint in the Air Force in World War II. He went to work for the Newark News after the War and for the next 26 years covered the local golf beat with such skill and devotion that he became known as “Mr. Golf” throughout the Garden State. Few players can recall a press conference or important event where Red Hoffman was not present. Following his formal work with the Newark News, Red began a long affiliation for Robert Trent Jones, Inc., in Montclair, New Jersey, as publicist for the world’s most prolific golf course architect. Yet despite his duties for Trent Jones, Red never relinquished his passion for golf reporting, continuing to contribute to the Newark Star Ledger, Golf World, and The Met Golfer.

To be sure, Red’s devotion to golf sprang from a love of the game which he played with considerable skill. He is considered one of the best among the playing scribed and played more than 450 courses around the world. In addition to an impressive record in both New Jersey and Met Amateur Championships, he also claimed 5 holes-in-one.

Over the years, Hoffman handled publicity for the New Jersey PGA and New Jersey State Golf Association, and served as President of the Met Golf Writers Association. For his steadfast devotion to the sport, its history and tradition, Red Hoffman has earned the respect of thousands of golfers.

Today, Hoffman’s legacy lives on through the Red Hoffman Cup Matches, a series of matches that foster interaction and friendly competition among northern New Jersey golf clubs.