U.C. Ferguson

Urban Clarence Ferguson Jr. began working at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City as a caddie in 1928 and left as its head pro 61 years later.

The father of Oklahoma City's junior golf program, Ferguson was born in Bradley, Oklahoma, a small community between Lindsay and Chickasha. He attended Central High School in OKC.

His first job at Lincoln Park was for $5 a week working at the shoe shine stand, doing janitorial work and cleaning golf clubs. He worked his way up to second assistant, then first assistant pro and later to head professional.

His tenure at Lincoln Park was interrupted by military service from 1942 through 1945. He served in the 14th armored division and was awarded two Bronze stars.

Affectionately known as Fergie, he was the mentor of Susie Maxwell Berning who won three U.S. Women's Opens and nine tour tournaments. He stepped down as Lincoln Park's head pro at age 75. Ferguson was instrumental in helping start Oklahoma City University's golf program.

During his career, he held several PGA offices and was honored by the Professional Golfers of America. The winner's trophy for The Greens Junior Invitational golf tournament was named in his honor. The U.C. Ferguson/All College Classic, featuring some of the top small-college golf teams, also bears his name.

In 1990, the Oklahoma City Council named the restaurant at Lincoln Park Golf Course, "Fergie's Place", and upon his retirement, then Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick designated October 1989 as U.C. Ferguson Month. Ferguson was also named a Contributor to the State of Excellence by Gov. Henry Bellman.