University of Houston Athletics
Houston Golf Mourns Passing of Rocky Thompson
3/30/2021 6:50:00 PM | Men's Golf
Letterman and longtime PGA Tour veteran passed away on March 13
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Men's Golf program is mourning the recent passing of letterman Rocky Thompson, who died March 13 at the age of 81 due to causes incident to Alzheimer's disease.
Thompson was a member of the Cougars' 1962 NCAA National Championship team, which captured the title at Duke Golf Club in Durham, N.C., for legendary Head Coach Dave Williams.
"Rocky was charismatic and had a love for golf that was unmatched. His persistence and uniqueness were true gifts to all that knew him. My heart goes out to his family for their loss," Director of Golf Jonathan Dismuke said.
Following his collegiate playing days, Thompson joined the PGA Tour and competed in 306 tournaments between 1964 and 1992 and played in 506 PGA Tour Champions events after turning 50.
He won his first professional championship at the 1991 MONY Syracuse Senior Classic and added additional crowns at 1991 Digital Seniors Classic and at the 1994 GTE Suncoast Classic.
In addition to his golf career, Thompson served as mayor of Toco, Texas, in the 1990s.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, Roxanne and Delana. Services previously took place in Plano, Texas.
Thompson was a member of the Cougars' 1962 NCAA National Championship team, which captured the title at Duke Golf Club in Durham, N.C., for legendary Head Coach Dave Williams.
"Rocky was charismatic and had a love for golf that was unmatched. His persistence and uniqueness were true gifts to all that knew him. My heart goes out to his family for their loss," Director of Golf Jonathan Dismuke said.
Following his collegiate playing days, Thompson joined the PGA Tour and competed in 306 tournaments between 1964 and 1992 and played in 506 PGA Tour Champions events after turning 50.
He won his first professional championship at the 1991 MONY Syracuse Senior Classic and added additional crowns at 1991 Digital Seniors Classic and at the 1994 GTE Suncoast Classic.
In addition to his golf career, Thompson served as mayor of Toco, Texas, in the 1990s.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, Roxanne and Delana. Services previously took place in Plano, Texas.
– UHCougars.com –
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