Dave Anderson
1929 – 2018
It was with profound regret that the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association announced the passing of Dave Anderson, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times and long-time MGWA Board Member, in October 2018. Dave’s accomplishments as a columnist, reporter and author over a 50-year career have been widely recognized: He was one of only three sports writers to be honored with the Pulitzer Prize for sports commentary, which he received in 1981, and he was the recipient of the 1994 Associated Press Sports Editors Red Smith Award for major contributions to sports journalism as well as the 1996 MGWA Lincoln Werden Golf Journalism Award.
While Dave covered many sports, his passion was golf. A true fan of the game, he reported on many of golf’s major events for decades. Dave was an active golfer himself and a long-time member of Knickerbocker Country Club. His enthusiasm for the game led him to the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association, where he became an engaged and respected Board Member. Anderson also gave back generously to the game he loved. He was a frequent speaker at local Association events and supported many Metropolitan Golf Association programs and activities. For his support of the game both locally and at the NY Times, he received the MGA’s highest honor – its Distinguished Service Award – in 2007. In 2019, the MGWA created the Dave Anderson Spotlight Award to honor Dave’s memory. The award is given at the MGWA National Awards Dinner in recognition of exemplary service by unique individuals in the golf community.
Dave’s accomplishments as an extraordinary writer and journalist were only exceeded by the class and elegance with which he conducted himself. He was beloved and respected by his family, his colleagues, the people he covered and by his loyal readers. His contributions to the MGWA were immense, and we are grateful for his guidance and support. Our deepest sympathies go out to his sons and daughters and the entire Anderson family.