Putt-Putt® Regretfully Relays the Death
of
William Walsh, PPA® Pro
31 May 2000 - Putt-Putt Golf Courses of America, Inc. regretfully relays the passing of William D. Walsh (Bill) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Bill, 77, was a participant in the Professional Putters Association since 1974, playing as both an Amateur and Regional Pro throughout the years. Bill was signed up to participate in the year 2000 Professional Putters Association National Championship. Bill is survived by his wife Mary Walsh and his daughter Ginger Long, and grandchild Elisah Long of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bill was the recipient of the 1998 Sportsmanship Award in the North Carolina State Tournament Program. Being a long time participant in the PPA®, he was asked what being a PPA® pro meant to him. He responded, "It's a great hobby, and I enjoy the competition and the comradeship that the PPA® provides."
Though Bill never won the big tournament, he relayed to a Putt-Putt Home Office member that "I've never won a big one in over 20 years--but I did beat Ed Haggerty once in match play competition. That was one of the better moments of my PPA® career." Bill held a Masters in Music Literature, which he acquired from Eastman College in 1950. He played the principal clarinet for the Charlotte, North Carolina Symphony Orchestra from 1954 to 1974.
Bill's absence in this year's national championship is already being felt. The funeral will be held Friday, June 2nd at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home in Charlotte, North Carolina--(704) 333-6116. If you would like to extend condolences to the family, you may reach Mary Walsh at 3429 North Sharon Amity, Apt. E-1; Charlotte, N.C. 28205.