From caddying at 10 to 42 years at Fairlawn, Wharton’s story defines a lifetime in golf

Golf icon Frank Wharton dies at 90 after Parkinson’s battle, leaving behind a lasting legacyX@UHCougarMGolf

Lee Trevino once said, “In Texas, you have to go through Frank Wharton.” Today, those words feel heavier.

The golf community is mourning the loss of Wharton, a three-time NCAA champion and beloved club professional, who passed away on October 17, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was 90 years old, just nine days past his birthday.

Born in Austin, Texas, in 1935, Wharton first picked up a golf bag at age ten while caddying for his mother. That small act turned into a lifelong love for the game. By high school, he was already a Texas state champion representing Hillcrest High in Dallas.

His next stop was the University of Houston, where he joined one of the most dominant programs in college golf history. Under the leadership of coach Dave Williams, the Cougars captured three consecutive national titles between 1956 and 1958.

Wharton was named an All-American in 1958, becoming part of the first official All-American team in NCAA golf. His teammates and coach helped shape an era that produced future PGA Tour greats like Fred Couples and Steve Elkington.

A New Kind of Golf Legend

After college, Wharton played professionally during the 1960s and represented the Ben Hogan Golf Company, competing alongside legends such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Byron Nelson. Yet his greatest legacy was built far from the PGA Tour.

In 1967, he accepted the position of head professional at Fairlawn Country Club in Akron, Ohio. He stayed for 42 years. At a time when most club professionals moved every few seasons, Wharton’s commitment was almost unheard of. His colleagues often described him as a teacher first, someone who cared more about helping golfers find joy in the game than chasing his own spotlight.

Dr. Dale Murphy, a longtime club member, said Wharton “was what a club professional should be.” Former assistant Kurt Ewing called him “the most loyal individual I’ve ever met.”

The Final Years of a Lifelong Competitor

Wharton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 at the age of 84. He faced the illness with the same quiet resolve that defined his entire career. Even as his health declined, his humor and kindness never faded.

A memorial service was held on October 24, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron. The family requested donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundationfor Parkinson’s Research, continuing his commitment to helping others.

Frank Wharton’s journey from a young Texas caddie to one of Ohio’s most respected golf professionals reflects what the sport values most: consistency, humility, and heart. His story reminds us that greatness often lives not in trophies, but in the lives we touch along the way.