Emil "Dutch" Loeffler

(1895-1948)

Born: June 6, 1895, Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

Died March 19, 1948, Oakmont, Pennsylvania, at age 52

Loeffler started working as a caddy at Oakmont when he was 10. He was promoted to caddiemaster in 1912 and took over as the course%u2019s superintendent (greenkeeper) in 1916, a position he retained until 1948. He served in the infantry in World War I where he was wounded. He was a corporal in Company E, 327th Infantry, 82nd Division, serving from September 20, 1917, to May 28, 1919. Loeffler assisted in the modification of Oakmont, including facilitating the addition of many hazards that became a hallmark of the course. After the death of head pro-Charley Rowe in 1927, Loeffler assumed that role as well. When he relinquished it in 1947, he was reportedly the highest paid pro in America. His replacement, young Lew Worsham, won the U.S. Open a month after he took charge at Oakmont.

Loeffler qualified for six U.S. Opens. His best finish was at the 1921 U.S. Open with a 10th place finish. In 1921, the PGA Championship invited the top 31 professional finishers at the 1921 U.S. Open, along with the defending champion, to the tournament and as such Loeffler was invited. Loeffler finished in a tie for 17th place with his first-round loss in match play to Cyril Walker on the 37th hole. Loeffler's best finish at the PGA Championship was a tie for 5th (quarter-final finish) in 1922.

He is credited with designing over 20 golf courses.