PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Harry Pezzullo, one of The PGA of America's most colorful and popular members, and who spearheaded the Association's move to Palm Beach County, Fla., 40 years ago, passed away in his sleep May 25, at Gardens Court Rehabilitation Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He was 93.
Pezzullo was the PGA Director of Golf Emeritus at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., from 1994 until his death, and was a fixture for the past 25 years in South Florida golf. He moved to Palm Beach Gardens in 1982, and was appointed PGA Director of Golf at the former JDM Country Club (now BallenIsles Country Club).
Pezzullo served two three-year terms on the PGA Executive Committee, from 1958-60 and 1965-67, during which time he was named 1958 PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the Association's highest honor. In 1961, Pezzullo led a task force to relocate The PGA of America national headquarters from Dunedin to Palm Beach Gardens. The Association completed the move to Palm Beach Gardens in 1965.
Pezzullo was elected to PGA membership on May 19, 1947. He served 25 years as PGA Head Professional at Mission Hills Golf Course in Northbrook, Ill. He also was elected as vice president of The PGA (1958-59), and served for 17 years as Illinois PGA Section president. In 1958, he received the Association's highest honor, the PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. Prior to his death, Pezzullo was the 20th eldest member of the Association.
"The PGA of America has lost a wonderful friend and one of its legendary members," said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Jim L. Awtrey. "Harry Pezzullo's 58 years of service to our Association featured numerous accomplishments that benefited many, including his work to locate our national headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens. Harry's love of golf was carried over into his enthusiasm to teach and build friendships. He was a consummate gentleman and he was a consummate storyteller. For the past 20 years, Harry was a very close, personal friend. His life's work was a model for future PGA Professionals, and I will never forget him."
Pezzullo was born June 30, 1911, in Barrington, R.I. He began his career playing on the tour from 1935-1942. He settled in Illinois and started his PGA Professional teaching career.
Among his professional accomplishments was pioneering the first television golf show, "Pars, Birdies and Eagles" with the late Joe Jemsek, a renowned Chicago-area public golf course developer. Pezzullo, who recorded nine holes-in-one, is listed in Ripley's Believe It or Not as the only golfer to record holes-in-one playing right-handed and left-handed in competition.
In 1959, Pezzullo founded the Italian Invitational Golf Tournament in Milwaukee, Wis., to raise funds for the Boys Town of Italy. In 1984, Pezzullo's work earned a pontifical blessing from Pope John Paul II on behalf of Boys Town of Italy.
From 1964 to 1982, Pezzullo spent winters in South Florida as golf instructor and as Hospitality Chairman for the former JDM Country Club (now BallenIsles Country Club). In 1982, he was appointed PGA Director of Golf at JDM Country Club.
"The PGA of America is so close to my heart, and we were so proud to be members," said Pezzullo in March at the celebration of The PGA's 40th Anniversary in Palm Beach County. "The PGA has indeed come a long way the past 40 years. It has enjoyed great success, and it's amazing to see how much The PGA and Palm Beach Gardens have grown.
"I like to think I had a hand in some of this. When I came here (in 1961) to help look for a home for the PGA of America, I couldn't imagine what would take place. It's now a reality. When you look at the area, you all have to be proud of what we have today."
Inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in 1991, Pezzullo also became the second golfer ever elected to the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in 1984. In 1996, he was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame.
Pezzullo was also a friend to many entertainers and top golfers of his generation. For 15 years, BallenIsles Country Club honored Pezzullo with the Harry Pezzullo Invitational, a charity golf event that he coordinated and brought together stars of entertainment and professional sports.
Nicknamed "The Professional to the Stars," Pezzullo was a close friend of such entertainers as Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Vic Damone. Pezzullo said his relationship with Crosby blossomed when the famed singer asked for help to organize the first "Crosby Pro-Am." The event evolved into the premier pro-am event in the country and is today known as the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
During the 1960s, Pezzullo recruited several golfing legends, including Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer and Byron Nelson to teach at golf schools and clinics.
In 1980, Pezzullo was honored by Downey (Ill.) Hospital for outstanding service to the Veteran's Administration, having hosted golf clinics for 34 years to raise funds for rehabilitating wounded veterans. Pezzullo was awarded the Humanitarian Plaque for 30 years of service to the Downey Hospital.
Pezzullo is survived by his son, Barry Dean Pezzullo, of Hampshire, Ill., a brother, Jimmy, and a nephew James Pezzullo Jr., both of Barrington, R.I. Funeral arrangements are pending.
The PGA of America, founded in 1916, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.
