Jerry Cundari - Golf

An early decision to remain an amateur has made golf a lifetime sport for Jerry Cundari, a true Oregon golfer from youth to senior.

Playing without pay has been very good for the Beaverton native. Cundari has won titles at every age level from the Oregon Junior to his current status as Super Senior.

Jerry’s talent for the game has also allowed him to travel the world and play of some of golf’s most famous tracks and against legends of the game.

It all began in the caddy shack at Portland Golf Club. Young Jerry wanted to improve his game just to survive that cutthroat world.

When he won the Oregon State Junior title in 1957.. he was hooked on competition. Cundari thrived as a collegiate player, winning the Pac 8 title and All-America honors as an Oregon Duck. During his collegiate career, he competed with and became friendly with Jack
Nicklaus, Dave Stockton and other future pros.

But the life of a professional golfer was a tenuous one in 1961. It was just before the Nicklaus-Palmer rivalry helped the sport explode in the nation’s consciousness.
Jerry Cundari chose family and career over travel and uncertainty. But amateur golf continued to stir his interest, so his weekend play took him to new places.

Club championships; city championships; state championships; 12 trips top USGA national tournaments; international play.

Golf truly has been a sport that has improved with age for Cundari. Senior golf has been particularly rewarding with it’s long, rich relationships intertwining on the golf course.

The ability to play at a high level does not hurt either. Since the Oregon Golf Association created it’s super senior championship for golfers 65 and older, Jerry has won the fi rst three titles.

A life in golf.. from meeting Bobby Jones, playing with Jack Nicklaus, observing the rise of Tiger Woods.