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Dale Douglass

Dale Douglass Endowment Benefits Buffs Men's Golf

April 27, 2023 | Men's Golf, Alumni C Club, Neill Woelk

BOULDER — Dale Douglass' impact on the University of Colorado men's golf program has never been in doubt.

One of the most successful collegiate golfers in Buffs history, Douglass went on to enjoy a long and stellar professional career after graduating from CU in 1959. A three-time all-conference performer for the Buffs and a CU Hall of Famer, he made his mark in the professional ranks with three PGA Tour victories, 11 wins on the Senior/Champions Tour and four top-20 finishes in golf's majors.

But his impact on CU golf will stretch far beyond the record books. Douglass, who passed away in July 2022, never forgot his Black and Gold roots — and thanks to a generous endowment of more than $1.5 million, future generations of CU golfers will benefit from the same opportunities Douglass enjoyed in his years in Boulder.

"There are people you meet in life that make lasting impressions on you. Dale Douglass was one of those special individuals and was a real pleasure to be around," said CU Senior Director of Development Scott McMichael. "The one word that comes to mind that describes Dale to me is 'class.' For all of his many professional accomplishments, he was one of the most humble and respectful people I have ever known. Dale never forgot the opportunity awarded to him to play golf for Coach (Les) Fowler and to obtain a top quality education from the University of Colorado. He always thought it was important to pay it forward."

While earning a reputation as one of the most consistent golfers in the game — Douglass made the cut an astonishing 567 times in 600 Senior/Champions Tour events, with 151 top-10 finishes — he also became well-known as one of the game's true gentlemen. Douglass always had time to help young golfers navigate the difficulties of the pro tour, and to the end, CU held a special place in his heart.

"Dale and his wife, Joyce, had an unconditional, lifetime love of the University of Colorado and the men's golf team," CU coach Roy Edwards said. "Their dedication to giving to many organizations is aspirational and inspirational. The endowment he and Joyce funded over their lifetimes has provided security for the long-term future of the men's golf team.  We miss them greatly and their legacy will be felt by generations of Buff golfers to come."

Colorado Athletic Director Rick George met Douglass when George was president of the Champions Tour from 2003 to 2008. 

"When I told him I had spent four years on the CU football staff, he quickly exhibited his love and fondness for his alma mater," George said. "He followed our programs closely, volunteered his time with our golf team on several occasions and was simply a total class act.  Dale was well-known for his long playing career and similarly giving back to it as well, and his donation back to the program where he flourished as a collegian is truly an example of that."

As Douglass' pro career blossomed, he still made sure he had time to help other Colorado golfers prepare for the rigors of the pro game. CU grads Hale Irwin and Steve Jones, both of whom enjoyed highly successful professional careers, remember the assistance they received from Douglass.

"Dale was so very proud of being from Fort Morgan and the University of Colorado," Irwin said when Douglass passed away. "He wore the school colors proudly … He did so much for a lot of people, particularly in Colorado.  There was never a bad word you heard from anyone about Dale Douglass."

Douglass never forgot what being a Buff meant to his career, and he and Joyce stayed in close contact with the program throughout the years.

"We treasure the opportunities we were fortunate to have spent with Dale," Edwards said. "He always had time for the team with many fun rounds and meals at Castle Pines, Paradise Valley CC, and Boulder CC."

More than six decades after his last round for the Buffs, Douglass' name is still firmly entrenched in the CU record books. He remains one of just five Buffaloes to finish in the top 10 three times in a conference championship and he was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010, the second golfer after Irwin to be so honored.

Now, his lifetime of mentorship and support of CU golf will be continued for generations to come.

"It is great to know that the Douglass name will always be associated with the Men's Golf program at the University of Colorado, Boulder," McMichael said. "Dale and Joyce, you will be missed, but your legacy lives on!" 

For more information concerning Athletic Endowments or Planned Gifts, please contact the Buff Club at www.cubuffclub.com or call 303-492-2200.