‘The Wizard’ of supporting golf

Baseball legend Ozzie Smith has been named the recipient of the 43rd Old Tom Morris Award presented by the GCSAA. Smith will be honored Feb. 6 at the Send-Off Celebration presented in partnership with John Deere at the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego.

Since retiring from baseball, Smith has found a love for the game of golf both as an avid golfer and as someone devoted to introducing the game to children and young adults who may not have access to play. His work has resulted in bringing new players into the game. As part of this, these young players have a chance to understand the game and see opportunities for potential turfgrass management careers.

The Old Tom Morris Award is presented to an individual who, through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf, has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris. Old Tom Morris was a four-time British Open winner and the legendary greenkeeper at St Andrews in Scotland.

“After a stellar Major League Baseball career, Ozzie embodies the same passion and dedication to the game of golf,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “His ongoing efforts to grow the game, including for underserved youths, have buoyed communities and exemplify what the Old Tom Morris Award represents. In the process, he has formed friendships and developed a deep respect and appreciation for the numerous golf course superintendents he continues to interact with along the way. He's a true ambassador for the game.”

Smith’s introduction to golf took place when former St. Louis Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog invited Smith to hit the opening shot in his charity golf tournament. “‘I went out that day and the first ball I hit was right down the middle,” Smith said. “I was hooked for life.”

In addition to playing, he is using golf as a way to give back by introducing young people and underserved populations to the game.

“I’m just a baseball player that has gotten the opportunity to do all these things,” Smith said. “I just give back where I can, to these kids, kids that may not get to experience anything like this in golf.”

Along the way, Smith has developed a deep appreciation for golf course superintendents and their teams. He has seen the essential role they play in making golf enjoyable and makes sure to promote their work when introducing new players to the game. 

“Golfers just come out and enjoy the beauty of it,” Smith said. “It’s the golf course superintendents and their teams that give us these beautiful playing surfaces. Their drive, determination and teamwork to make each round the very best it can be is amazing. I’ve been involved in teams all my life.”

Smith is currently Gateway PGA Reach president, and for the last 15 years has hosted the annual Ozzie and Friends Gala and Pro Am, PGA Gateway’s largest fundraiser.

Growing up in the Watts area of Los Angeles, Smith played baseball at Locke High School and California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo. He made his major-league debut in 1978 with the San Diego Padres. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 and would help them to a World Series win that same year. His outstanding defensive play at shortstop and propensity for performing backflips would not only garner 13 Rawlings Gold Gloves and 15 trips to the All-Star Game but also earn him the nickname “The Wizard of Oz.” He retired as a Cardinal in 1996 and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.

“When GCSAA shared the list of past recipients, I was overwhelmed, it is an incredible list and I am humbled to now be part of this illustrious group,” Smith said.