by WEST PALM BEACH – Dan Baker spent several years helping transform an overgrown property into a gem of a public golf facility called the Park.
Alas, fate did not allow him much time to play many tricks with his buddies at the park – the Palm Beach Gardens resident died in a car accident on December 13 on Alligator Alley. He was 58 years old.
The PGA of America, where Baker worked from 2007-24, and the South Florida PGA Section have ensured that Baker will not be forgotten at the park. The PGA’s Reach Foundation and the South Florida PGA have created a PGA Jr. Opportunity League in Baker’s name that will allow children in Kind Breath communities to have access to the game for free.
It will be known as the Dan Baker PGA Junior League at the park.
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“The opportunity to honor Dan’s incredible contributions to the golf industry through a named endowment from the PGA Jr. League program at the park is a fitting tribute,” said Jeff Price, business and philanthropy officer for the PGA d America, and one of Baker’s closest friends. “Dan was America’s consummate PGA golf professional, leaving a legacy celebrating his love of the game and the park is the perfect fit.”
The endowment allows the South Florida PGA to start the Opportunity League for 40 junior players, likely later this year, and donations are being sought to ensure its future. It will be the first of its kind in South Florida. Juniors will receive instruction and the opportunity to play golf at the park.
“The goal is to create an endowment, so the Opportunity League will last in perpetuity,” said Geoff Lofstead, PGA South Florida executive director. “I’ve known Dan for a long time, and it’s great that he’s going to be commemorated. He was part of this project, making sure it stayed on track with all the administration issues. He was passionate about the park.
Former PGA CEO Seth Waugh of North Palm Beach was the one who spearheaded the project to restore the West Palm Beach Country Club that closed after two failed attempts by developers. Waugh raised more than $40 million from local golf fans to fund the project, but he knew he wanted Baker to work alongside him.
“I brought Dan in early because of who he is and how much he cares,” Waugh said. “It is in a way the ultimate knife of the Swiss army. He did everything in golf…he was a teaching pro, he tried to play professionally, and he hosted championships like the Hartford Open and the Ryder Cups and Walker Cups. »
Baker used this expertise to offer advice on operational things such as where to stage carts, how to manage traffic flow, determining how many rounds should be played and how many walkers would be allowed.
“He was our constant reminder of the game every day,” Waugh said. “One of our project partners said to me afterwards: ‘Dan always knew what we wanted, and he delivered it.’ Dan still wore the PGA hat, but he knew everyone involved had to win. He threaded that needle. And he always did it with a smile.
The PGA announced Baker’s honor during last week’s PGA Show, which was fitting because he hosted the annual event in Orlando for more than a decade until he left the PGA l ‘last year. He spent last fall serving as an advisor on the film “Happy Gilmore 2.”
More than 300 of Baker’s friends and family gathered at a celebration of his life Saturday at Tequesta Country Club, where he was a member. Among the notables present:
Former PGA of America CEOs Joe Steranka of Jupiter and Waugh; Former USGA Executive Director Mike Davis (all three, speaking); Former PGA presidents John Lindert and Suzy Whaley of Palm Beach Gardens; Former LPGA Tour Commissioner and PGA Tour Director Ty Votaw; Former Honda Classic Executive Director/current James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Director Invitational Executive Kennerly; Lofstead and South Florida PGA Section Assistant Executive Director Meredith Schuler; and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Kaat.
To donate to the endowment, here is a link: https://pgareach.org/dan-baker-pga-jr-league
Two local PGA professionals honored at national level
Jason Baile, director of instruction at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, has been named the 2025 PGA of America Teacher and Coach of the Year. Pam Elders of Boca West Country Club won the PGA of America Player Development Award.
They received their awards at last week’s PGA Show.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dan Baker won’t be forgotten at the park due to PGA Jr. Opportunity League
