Steve Dunford

Steve Dunford was President of the Utah Golf Association for fourteen years. He also served as General Manager and Executive Secretary of the UGA for an additional three years prior to his untimely death in 1969 at age 56. He was the principal organizer and chairman of almost all major tournaments in the State, including the period when Utah was a regular stop on the PGA Tour in the early 60’s.

He could cajole, beg, and plead for his cause, and in those days of the UGA that was often necessary. Although a man of gentle manners, Steve could be a hard-headed negotiator if the cause of golf was at stake.

Although he was a member of The Country Club he led the way in taking the UGA to the public courses. Under his leadership the UGA established the handicap system, junior state tournaments, the UGA women’s tournament, and adopted a seven-year rotation among the country clubs for hosting the Utah Open and the Utah State Amateur. He elevated the respect for golf statewide by the dignity, grace, and style of his leadership. He had a warm, genuine smile and won friends easily. He loved the game and was an exceptional player, especially noted for his uncanny skill and touch around the greens. He held the course record at The Country Club at one time with a 65.

He was born in Salt Lake City on July 15, 1912 and died July 10, 1969. He graduated from Utah State University in 1933. He married Mae Christensen and they had seven children. He was the President of Dunford Bakeries.