Jackson David Bradley

Jackson David Bradley, born October 26, 1921 to Jessie Hobbs and Charles David Bradley in Tipton, Indiana, passed away after a long illness on February 26, 2010 surrounded by his family and friends. He was 88 years of age. Jackson was a Life Member of the PGA and was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 1993. He served as Head Golf Professional at many prestigious clubs including St. Charles Country Club in Chicago, River Oaks Country Club in Houston and The Connecticut Golf Club. He was a writer for Golf Digest for 8 years, starred in the first live television show for golf instruction, held patents on the first metal woods, and was one of the first to use high speed video for teaching. Jackson was on PGA committees that set rules for the game and negotiated television contracts for PGA tour players. He worked on the design and construction of 9 golf courses in Texas. Jackson won many junior titles and was the Southern California Junior Champion in 1939. After turning professional at age 19, he served our country in the Navy in WWII. After the war, he continued to pursue his golf career and participated in 15 PGA Championships, 10 US Opens and 2 US Senior Opens. His close friends on the PGA Tour and teaching Professionals included Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Jackie Burke, Jimmy Demaret, Jay Hebert, Bob Rosburg, Harvey Penick, Joe Moresco, Paul Marchand and Brad Worthington. Perhaps Jackson's greatest contribution to the game of golf was his influence on the many professionals and lovers of the game he taught. He helped thousands of amateurs and countless tour professionals become better players. Jackson taught many years in the Austin community at the Austin Country Club, Balcones Country Club, The Hills of Lakeway and the UT Golf Club. He received numerous teaching awards including "PGA Teacher of the Year" honoring his many accomplishments and outstanding contributions to the game. Jackson's faith was a major part of his life. He was a member of Westover Hills Church of Christ and was instrumental in forming The Freedom Church in Austin. Jackson's family is eternally grateful for the incredible journey, unconditional love, support and many joyous memories he has given us. His character, integrity and values have touched us all and will guide us forever. Jackson is survived by his wife of 31 years, Dorothy Roberts Bradley, his five daughters, Robin Christiaens, Jennifer Fanuzzi, Lynda Van Nus and husband Stuart, Tina Mayers and husband Buck, Melissa Bradshaw-Mack and husband Geoffrey, and his step-daughters, Liz Dobecka and husband Richard, and Patty Walsh and husband Martyn. He has 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Jackson's family would like to thank the medical staffs at Seton Northwest Hospital, Odyssey Hospice and Buckner Villas for their loving care at the end of his life. Funeral services are scheduled on Wednesday, March 3rd, at 10:00 a.m. at Westover Hills Church of Christ in Austin, with a graveside service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Central Texas Veterans Cemetery, Killeen. Please join Jackson's family and friends in this celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Bible School or First Tee of Greater Austin.