Bruce Cudd – no finer golfer, no finer man
Bruce Cudd, who forged an unmatched amateur golf career that led eventually to his induction into the PNGA Hall of Fame, passed away on May 2, 2022. He was 88.
A born and raised Oregonian, Bruce was a local legend who competed at the highest levels of amateur golf. During the 1950s, he was at the pinnacle of competitive golf and was well known on the national and international stage.
Bruce was introduced to the game by his father, whom he accompanied to the practice range and assisted as a caddie. As a junior golfer, Bruce bought a $45 yearly pass that allowed unlimited play on Portland’s municipal courses.
Bruce began by winning the Oregon Amateur in 1952 and 1953. He was a finalist in the 1952 Oregon Coast Invitational, a finalist in the 1952 and 1953 PNGA Men’s Amateur, and a semifinalist in the 1953 U.S. Amateur.
He cemented his name in the region’s golf community by winning the 1953 Northwest Open and 1954 Oregon Open, defeating the region’s PGA professionals. He repeated as Oregon Open champion in 1955.
Bruce won the 1954 Western Amateur, held that year at Seattle’s Broadmoor Golf Club, which clinched his selection for the 1955 U.S. Walker Cup team. He was also named to four Morse Cup teams and eight Hudson Cup teams, and played in four Masters Tournaments (1954-1957).
In the mid-1960s, Bruce played briefly on the PGA TOUR, before regaining his amateur status. He was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Golf Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and the Columbia Edgewater Country Club Hall of Fame, of which he was a member for 70 years.
As fine as his amateur career was, he was an even finer gentleman and friend to all.
Remembrances can be made to the Evans Scholars Foundation. Visit WGAESF.org or mail donation to Evans Scholars Foundation, 2501 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026.
Career Highlights
- Oregon Junior Boys’ Champion 1950
- U.S. Amateur Semifinalist 1953
- Western Amateur Champion 1954
- PNGA Men’s Amateur Finalist 1952 & 1953; Medalist 1953
- Northwest Open Champion 1953
- Los Angeles Open – Finished Tied for 4th place and was Low Amateur 1954
- Oregon Open Champion 1954 & 1955
- Oregon Amateur Champion 1952 & 1953
- Western States Champion of Champions 1953 & 1954
- Walker Cup Team Member 1955
- Masters Tournament participant 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957
- Morse Cup Team Member 1952, 1953, 1954 & 1955
- Hudson Cup Team Member 1952, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 & 1975
- Columbia Edgewater CC Men’s Club Champion 1960,
- Inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame 1982
- Inducted into Pacific Northwest Golf Hall of Fame 1991
(Read more about Bruce Cudd’s career on the PNGA Hall of Fame page.)
