Robert McCaffery

Robert Emmett McCaffery On Friday, March 11, 2011, Robert Emmett McCaffery, age 86, passed away peacefully in the presence of his Son, Sean and Daughter, Lori in San Francisco, California. Bob McCaffery, grew up in the San Francisco bay area where he started out as a golf caddie with his best friend Tony Lema. While he was working under the tutelage of Ernest Jones at his New York City indoor teaching facility, and giving lessons on weekends at Montauk Downs Golf Club on Long Island, his destiny became imminent. Earning a good teaching reputation brought him the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez along with many other celebrities. Working summers in Long Island and winters in Florida eventually led him to becoming a Professional Tour Player. After leaving the tour in the late 50's, he relocated to San Leandro and became the Head Pro at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo, California. During that time he discovered a way to make golf more affordable for the middle class by starting McCaffery's "discount" golf shop. The first of many McCaffery's golf shops was located at One Market St. in San Francisco. This original facility had an indoor golf school and practice range. However; as fate would have it, the building was slated to be torn down. The building owner made a deal with "Mac" to move his golf store to Montgomery Street. At the new place, there was no store front, just a view of a stair well, two stair-ways straight up. Although not quite the same, with his determination, success followed soon after. Once the Montgomery Street store was firmly established, the McCaffery's store in Lincoln Park opened, then downtown Oakland, Las Vegas, Harding Park at Lake Merced, San Mateo, and at last, back to New York at Beth Page. Golf was his love and passion, and his life was devoted to promoting the game and teaching his fine skills to all people. Bob was a lifetime Member of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association), and was one of the first Professional Golf Pro's to gain membership at The Olympic Club. He also loved fishing, and very much enjoyed hunting with his close friends at Butte Sink, his duck club. Mac will be missed tremendously not only by his family and friends, but to all whom he had touched throughout the golf industry and local golf community. A memorial gathering for Mr. McCaffery will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011, between 2:00-6:00pm at The Olympic Club, Lakeside, 599 Skyline Blvd., San Francisco, Ca 94132. Please come one and all to share your stories and celebrate Bob's life and render your final respects to the family. RSVP at 1-925-867-4455 or 2braggster@comcast.net In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to St. Didacus School, Annual Scholarship Appeal, 4630 34th St., San Diego, Ca 92116. Donation envelopes will be available at the gathering. Graveside service at Holy Cross in Colma is private. Santos-Robinson Mortuary San Leandro 510-483-0123 www.santos-robinson.com