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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Golf Pro Joe Durgan Dies Co-Founder Of Lilac Invitational, Dean Of Area Professionals Was 78

Joe Durgan, the dean of area golf professionals whose teachings spawned many of the area’s top golfers, died Friday night at his home. He was 78.

Durgan, who has been at The Fairways since 1986 after 31 years at Downriver Golf Course, had been in failing health the last few months, said his son, John, general manager at The Fairways.

“The last stroke he suffered was on Feb. 24th, the night after we were burglarized out here,” John Durgan said.

“The day before, he had been walking around the course, saying how he didn’t need his cane or the walker.”

After seeing the clubhouse “trashed,” John said, “he suffered a stroke. He hasn’t been the same since.”

Durgan, who came from a family of accomplished golfers, was once one of the most dominant playing pros in the area. But he was perhaps best known as a teacher, especially in his later years.

“For a good 12 years, in the late 1950s, 1960s, he was the one (area golfer) to beat, just like Gary Lindeblad and Chris Mitchell were after him,” said John Durgan.

“But teaching was his first love; he dedicated his life to teaching others the game of golf.

“When I was a kid, I would caddy for Dad,” John said. “I’d say, ‘I can’t wait until I get that good.’ I’m still waiting.”

Durgan began his pro career at Clarkston, followed it with a stint at Twin Falls, Idaho, and one year at the North Division Driving Range before taking over at Downriver in 1955. He held the position until the city of Spokane didn’t renew his contract after the 1986 season.

When Durgan left for The Fairways, the Lilac Invitational, which he helped form in 1960, followed him.

In 1973, Durgan was named the Professional Golfer of the Year by the Pacific Northwest Section of the PGA and in 1974 he received a 25-Year Award from the Inland Empire Sports Writers and Broadcasters for his years of service.

Besides John, Durgan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy, at the home; son Joseph Patrick; and a daughter, Kathleen Boehm, both of Spokane.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Hennessey/Smith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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