P.J. Boatwright, Jr. (1983)

P.J. Boatwright’s distinguished career in golf administration started as Executive Director of the Carolinas Golf Association in 1955. Four years later he joined the staff of the USGA as assistant to the Executive Director, Joe Dey. Once at the USGA, Boatwright developed an international reputation in the areas of tournament administration and the Rules of Golf. Throughout his career he oversaw the conduct of hundreds of national and international championships. He also served as Executive Secretary of the World Amateur Golf Council. His tournament work, which involved him with many of the world’s top players and courses, earned him the reputation as one of the game’s most knowledgeable administrators.

For many years, P.J. was one of the game’s leading authorities on the Rules of Golf, and played a tremendous role in reorganization of the Rules Book and combining the USGA and Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews decisions. His work at the USGA however, was not limited to rules and tournament administration. He played an active role in upholding golf’s strict code of amateur status and in maintaining our national system of handicapping and course rating.

He also had an accomplished career “inside the ropes”. As a player, he completed 72 holes in the 1950 U.S. Open, won the South Carolina Amateur and Carolinas Amateur, and the 1957 and 1959 Carolinas Open Championship. In addition, he holds numerous course records including Pinehurst #3.

It is through the dedicated and purposeful service of people like P.J. Boatwright, Jr. that the game of golf has been unique in maintaining and preserving its valued traditions. His legacy lives on through the USGA’s P.J. Boatwright, Jr. internship program, named for him when the program, which provides internships in golf administration at golf associations, began in 1991.