Dan Baker obituary, death, PGA of America Director of New Business Development, Dies in Tragic Car Accident in Jupiter, Florida, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Excellence, Kindness, and Dedication to Golf and Community
The golf world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Dan Baker, a renowned golf advocate and Director of New Business Development for the PGA of America. Baker, 55, died in a car accident in Jupiter, Florida, on December 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and dedication to golf and community.
_Early Life and Education_
Born and raised in Newtown, Connecticut, Dan Baker developed a passion for golf at a young age. He began his lifelong career in golf as a caddie at Rock Ridge Country Club at the age of 10. Baker graduated from Newtown High School and went on to earn a degree in economics from Wake Forest University in 1988.
_Golf-Centered Career_
Dan Baker’s golf career spanned over three decades, during which he made a significant impact on the sport. He began his career as a golf administrator, competing briefly on Florida mini-tours before entering the PGA of America’s apprentice program. Baker’s early roles included assistant professional positions at Old Town Club in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, Connecticut, and Boca Grove Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida.
_Tournament Management and Leadership_
Baker’s career in tournament management and leadership was marked by numerous successes. He served as tournament and marketing director for the prestigious Walker Cup in 1996-1997 and managed on-site activities, logistics, and operations for the 1999 Ryder Cup at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Baker’s most notable achievement was as tournament director for the Canon Greater Hartford Open/Buick Championship from 1999 to 2005, where he oversaw marketing, publicity, sales, and operations, making the tournament the second-largest PGA Tour event with nearly 300,000 attendees.
_PGA of America and Beyond-Course Contributions_
In 2024, Dan Baker joined the PGA of America as Director of New Business Development, where he acquired new sponsorships and activated current ones to help the organization grow. Beyond his work with the PGA of America, Baker was an active member of the Connecticut PGA Section Board of Directors from 2005 to 2006, serving as vice president at-large and chairing the Communications Committee.
_Legacy and Remembering Dan Baker_
Dan Baker’s tragic passing has sent shockwaves throughout the golf community, with tributes and condolences pouring in from around the world. His family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a visionary leader, a kind and generous soul, and a devoted advocate for the sport of golf. The PGA of America has announced plans to establish a Dan Baker scholarship or humanitarian project in his honor, recognizing his lifelong dedication to talent development and community service.
_Conclusion_
Dan Baker’s life was a testament to his passion for golf and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. His tragic passing reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. The golf community will deeply miss Dan Baker, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in his footsteps.
