A committee has formed to raise funds to permanently honor Ken Still for his contribution as Tacoma’s greatest golf ambassador and one of the top athletes in the region’s sports history.
Ken, who passed away on March 19, 2017 at the age of 82, was one of the Pacific Northwest’s first true sports celebrities. More than a golf icon, he was a man passionate about his family, his profession, his country, his community and everyone with whom he came in contact. He was loved by everyone and left a lasting impact that will go on for decades to come. His endearing, affable personality will be truly missed, but his accomplishments will never be forgotten.
To honor Ken, a committee has formed to raise funds to create a lasting memorial at Fircrest Golf Club and at American Lake Veterans Golf Course – The Kenneth Allan Still Memorial.
To honor Ken, a life size bronze statue will be displayed at Fircrest Golf Club where his career began as a shy caddie. This was also his home course during a long, storied, professional career that included 22 years on the PGA and Champions Tours. He was also a member of 1969 United States Ryder Cup team and had long-time friendships with Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. In 1995, Still was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Section PGA Hall of Fame.
While Ken’s career took him around the world next to some of the greatest golfers and sports icons, he was always a hometown guy. “I’m from Fircrest Golf Club,” he would say proudly. He would always lend a hand to the junior golfer, the average player or the wounded warrior who wanted to enjoy a round of golf.
“Ken Still was and is Tacoma golf,” says Michael Putnam, PGA Tour pro and Tacoma native. “He not only loved us pros from Tacoma, he loved the veterans from American Lake Veterans Golf Course, the kid from Meadow Park, the boy at First Tee and the girl from the local golf club. He spoke life into everyone he would meet.”
As part of the fundraising efforts, the committee will also purchase a golf cart for the American Lake Veteran’s Golf Course. This is in honor of Ken’s commitment to the wounded veterans who fought bravely for our country. It was Ken’s friendship with Nicklaus that got Jack to design, at no cost, the second nine holes at the course.
Tax-deductible gifts to the campaign to raise funds for this memorial can be sent to the Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course by clicking here for the donation form.
If you have questions on how to support this campaign, contact Frank Hawkins, chairman of the Ken Still Memorial Committee, at 253-905-8100 or frankhawkins@hawkinspoe.com.
