Tom Strange
About Tom Strange
Tom Strange was an accomplished amateur golfer when he moved from his hometown of Cincinnati to Norfolk on a Coast Guard assignment in 1951. Six years later, he became the fourth amateur to win the State Open of Virginia since its inception in 1924. Soon after, he turned pro and accepted the job as head professional at Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club. He died far too young at age 38, but Strange’s golf legacy lives on with twin sons Allan and Curtis, the latter of whom won two U.S. Open Championships.
Crowning Moment…
In 1957, Strange became just the fourth amateur to win the State Open of Virginia since its inception in 2024, winning an 18-hole playoff with Harold “Shorty” Oatman by eight strokes.
5
VSGA championships won
6
U.S. Opens played in
1958
Year Strange turned professional
17
Age at which Strange won his first match at a U.S. Amateur
Achievements & Media
Special thanks to the USGA, PGA Tour, VSGA, MAPGA, WVGA and inductee family members for contributing photos and videos to this project.
Statistics
Date of birth: May 10, 1931
Date of death: June 21, 1969
VSGA championships won
1957 – State Open of Virginia
1963 – VPGA Open
1964 – VPGA Open
1966 – VPGA Open
1967 – VSGA Open
Accomplishments and awards
- 1998 inductee of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
- 1997 inductee of the Middle Atlantic PGA Hall of Fame
- Winner of the inaugural Eastern Amateur Championship at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club
- Worked professionally at Elizabeth Manor, The Greenbrier in West Virginia, and Bow Creek Golf Course
