Texas Joe Black Cup

History

The Texas Joe Black Cup Matches is annually the most anticipated competitive event in the Northern and Southern Texas Sections.  This fiercely contested rivalry between two sister sections is marked by close matches, dramatic shots, uncompromising sportsmanship, and friendships that last lifetimes.

Established in 1981, the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches were created to honor Joe Black who was completing his first term as President of the PGA of America.  The son of a carpenter, Mr. Black decided early in life that making a living thought the game he loved was more appealing than following in his father's footsteps.

Black, a native Texas, played the 1952 and 1953 seasons at Hardin-Simmons, then turned pro after his sophomore year to take a job as assistant pro at the Abilene Country Club while he continued going to school.  Black then played on the PGA Tour in 1956 and 1957, and in 1958, at the age of 23, he became tournament director of the PGA.  He held that position until 1963 when he became head pro at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas.

Black's expertise in tournament management and as a rules official opened other doors.  He has served as a rules official at the Masters for 47 years as well as at numerous PGA Championships.  He was the director of the Ryder Cup Matches from 1963 through 1977, when they were held in the United States.

He was introduced into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 1982 and served as the president of the PGA of America from 1981 to 1982.

"The (Joe Black Cup) Matches are special to me because it exemplifies what golf is about," Black said.  "The Competition is fierce, and these guys want to make their team as much as Ryder Cup players do.  But they play for nothing, nothing except pride and the enjoyment of the camaraderie the game fosters."

Click here for the 2013 Joe Black Cup Points List