Dean Knuth inducted into Royal & Ancient
USGA's Knuth inducted into Royal & Ancient
Wisconsin native DeanKnuth's gifts to the game of golf are recognized around theworld. In August, those contributions and his work behind thescenes for the betterment of the game were honored as Knuth wasinducted into the Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrew'sin Scotland. The honor recognizes his work with the United StatesGolf Association, where he has been employed since 1982.
A surprised Knuth was informed by mail late in 1995 of hisinvitation to join the Royal k Ancient, an organization thatdates to 175O. The invitation specifically cited Knuth's"contributions to the game of golf." Knuth invented thcSlope course rating and handicapping system, which is used acrossthe United States and is in the process of being implemented inEurope.
St. Andrew's has 1,900 members worldwide, including 275Americans, Knuth said. The induction included a formal ceremony,followed by a tournament for members. As a member, he will havefull playing privileges at historic St. Andrews, long consideredthc birthplace of golf, and a frequent site of the British Open.
"I thought it was something pretty much out ofreach." Knuth said of the honor. "It's a thrill."
Knuth. 48, graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School inl965 and served in the U.S. Navy, where he reached the rank oflieutenant commander. He joined thc USGA as a result of his Slopeidea and worked at the association's headquarters in Far Hills.N.J. He supervises about 35 percent Of the total USGA staff. Histitles at the USGA include senior director of handicapping,director of the Golf Handicapping Information Network (GHIN) andGreen Section administrator. He is also a member of the panelthat picks the top 100 courses for Golf Digest.
Knuth recently used a $100,000 grant to put thc USGA on theInternet. The site began last November and had 122,000 visitorsthe first month. It now receives about 5,000 visitors a day, hesaid. Information available includes the Rules of Golf, all USGApublications, tournament scores and ticket information. TheUSGA's online address is: http://www.usga.org.
� Jerry Poling
WISCONSIN GOLFER