News Summary
The golfing community is in mourning following the passing of Roger Clinton Watson, a beloved figure in the sport, who died on February 18, 2025, at age 81. Watson’s legacy includes significant contributions to golf course development and management, along with an endearing family life. His impact stretched beyond the fairways, resonating through community service and family values. He is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his role as a father, grandfather, and friend. A Celebration of Life service will honor his memory and enduring spirit.
Jacksonville, Florida Mourns the Loss of a Golfing Legend
On February 18, 2025, the golfing community and family lost a beloved figure, Roger Clinton Watson, who passed away peacefully at the age of 81 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Surrounded by his family during his final moments, Watson left behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the golf course.
A Life Well-Lived
Roger was born on July 15, 1943, in High Point, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Clinton S. and Lestie M. (Smith) Watson. Growing up, he developed a passion for the sport that would shape his life, attending High Point University, where he graduated and earned the prestigious NAIA All-American honors as the top player. His remarkable talent on the green later earned him induction into the HPU Sports Hall of Fame.
In June 1964, Roger tied the knot with his sweetheart, Sandra Ann (Morris) Watson. The two enjoyed a loving partnership that spanned 60 years, raising a family that included two children: Chip Watson and Molly Maack, both of whom carry on his legacy. Chip is married to Julie Mancuso and Molly is married to Gregory “Jamey” Maack. Roger was affectionately known as “Pop” to his five grandchildren and one great-grandson, a title that surely melted hearts and brightened days.
Professional Journey
Watson embarked on his professional golf journey in 1966, starting out as an assistant golf professional under Buck Adams at the Country Club of North Carolina. He soon took on significant roles, including serving as Head Professional at Sapona Country Club in Lexington for a year and spent an impressive 12 years at MacGregor Downs Country Club, where he also served as president of the club’s real estate division.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Eaglemere Group in 1982, a venture that designed and built several golf clubs, including the popular Lochmere Golf Club in Cary and Wildwood Green in Raleigh. The Carolinas Golf Group, which he co-founded in 1988, revolutionized golf course development and management throughout North Carolina. This group was even sold for a whopping $60 million to Cobblestone Golf in 1998, but Watson’s determination brought it back to life in 2000 with a fresh focus on club management.
Roger was also instrumental in designing the Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State University, which garnered glowing reviews and solidified his expertise in golf course management. His impressive accomplishments include victories at the 1974 National Club Professional Championship and the NC Open Championship in 1969, showcasing his undeniable prowess on the course.
A Beloved Community Member
Watson was not just a professional golfer; he was a cherished member of the Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His contributions to the sport and the community did not go unnoticed, as he was recognized as a member of multiple Halls of Fame, including the NC Sports Hall of Fame.
In addition to his immediate family, Roger is survived by two siblings, Donna Turner and Richard Watson, as well as a legacy that will be cherished for years to come. He was predeceased by his brother, Mitchell Preston Watson.
Final Farewell
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled to take place later at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church and Wildwood Green Golf Club, where friends, family, and fans can gather to pay tribute to a man who made such a significant impact on the world of golf.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial gifts be made to the Mayo Clinic for the Kidney Transplant Patient Care Fund, allowing Roger’s legacy of caring and generosity to continue on. Roger Clinton Watson may have passed, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him, played alongside him, and loved him dearly.
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Additional Resources
- Stitzel Family Funeral Homes: Roger Watson
- Google Search: Roger Clinton Watson
- Legacy: Michael Johnson Obituary
- Wikipedia: Golf
- WMBF News: Report on Teen Incident
- Google News: Recent Obituaries in Florida
- Watson Funeral Services: Traci Utley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golfer
- MassLive: William Stinger Obituary
- Google Scholar: Roger Clinton Watson Golf
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