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August 28, 2012
Mike Davis
Executive Director
United States Golf Association
Golf House, PO Box 708, Far Hills NJ 07931
T (908) 781-1008 C (908) 217-4720
Dear USGA Committee Members and Staff,
It is with incredible sadness that I inform you that Stanley J. Zontek, director of the USGA Green Section's Mid-Atlantic Region, passed away this morning after suffering a heart attack. He was 63.
The organization's longest-tenured employee, Stanley joined the USGA in 1971 after graduating from Penn State University. Stanley was a world-renowned turfgrass expert who shared his extensive knowledge for 41 years through articles, speeches and course visits. He was recognized for his contributions with many awards, including the 2006 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Distinguished Service Award, the 1997 Golf Course Builders Association of America Don A. Rossi Award and the 2007 Crop and Soil Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award from his alma mater. He was a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the British International Golf Greenkeepers Association.
Stanley helped establish many of the best turfgrass practices still in use. During his career, he helped thousands of courses around the world to achieve the best conditions possible, whether in preparation for USGA championships, for everyday play or while helping maintain the putting green at the White House. No matter where I would travel for work, I would always meet somebody who knew Stanley.
And all of them had nothing but the kindest words about him. As much as he was respected for his professional expertise, Stanley touched many more lives with his passion, generosity and spirit. He was always willing to help out, and he gave far more of himself than he took from others. Some of my fondest memories from past U.S. Opens involve spending time with Stanley as we worked alongside each other during the championship's long hours. He loved the USGA and dedicated his career to serving the game that he loved. He was a true ambassador for the USGA, and in my mind, nobody better personified our work "for the good of the game."
Funeral arrangements are pending, and we will share the details with you as they become available. We have lost both a great friend and an influential voice in the game. Stanley Zontek will be missed tremendously by those of us at the USGA who knew him best and by the thousands of lives he touched outside the organization.
Sincerely,
Mike Davis
Executive Director
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