Bob Thatcher

Robert "Bob" Thatcher, 79, of Port St. Lucie passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on December 26,2017 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Bob was born in Long Island, New York. He grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland and later attended the University of Maryland where he studied Communications and graduated in 1962. He was an assistant golf professional at Burning Tree Golf Club in Washington DC. He would later become a head golf professional at Williamsport Country Club in Pennsylvania. He became head golf professional two years later at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Bob designed and built Olde Masters Golf Club in Newtown Square in 1976. Also, he designed Olde Masters Golf Centers in 2001 located in Egg Harbor, New Jersey. Bob won many accolades for his extensive and tireless teaching in the golf industry. He made the sport accessible to so many people from all walks of life. He was a PGA member for 50 years and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. Mr. Thatcher and a partner owned Reading Country Club for 12 years. Also, Bob leased various other driving ranges. After turning 50 years old, he competed on the Sr PGA Tour and played in 41 events. He played on the European Tour competing in 5 British Senior Opens and 5 British Senior Championships. Bob was named one of Americas' Top 50 golf instructors by Golf Range Magazine. His driving range was rated one of the Top 100 in the United States. Bobs' passion was his family, his dogs, and golf. He was always there for anyone who needed him without hesitation. Bob was known by many as " Mr. Golf".....AND HE SURE WAS! Bob was always known for his mental tenacity both personally and professionally. He was never one to quit and he fought cancer with the utmost courage and strong will. He leaves behind a loving wife of 30 years whom he adored so deeply. Bob leaves behind 6 children: Chris, Michael, Bruce, Brian, Tina and Tracy, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Bob sacrificed so very much for the game of golf and his family. Celebration of his life will be held at 2pm on January 20th of 2018 at Aycock Funeral Facility located at Tradition parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.