Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame
An amateur that was able to capture seven Minnesota State titles in just five years, Wisen was described as a petite woman with an excellent short game. She was a fierce competitor in the early 1950’s that never strayed from the fairway. Wisen was the MWGA Match Play Champion (1949, 1951, 1952), MWGA State Amateur Champion (1952, 1953), and the MWPGA Publinks Champion (1954, 1955).
As the Moorhead Country Club Head Professional, Murphy has spent the past 44 years as an important mentor and community member. Since becoming a PGA member in 1969 Murphy has mentored many employees and assistant pros that have passed through the Moorhead golf shop, many of whom perused are still in the golf industry. One of his many accomplishments includes the creation of the Fargo-Moorhead Junior Tour, which provided an excellent environment for junior golfers to learn competition golf. During the off-season Murphy was active in youth sports by refereeing high school and college hockey games.
Murphy has served on the Minnesota Section PGA Board as well as the Dakota Chapter Board. He has won numerous awards from both sections, including Golf Professional of the Year four times (at the chapter level, 1995, 1996, 2000 and 2008), and the Section level (1989). Murphy has inspired many people through the game of golf as well as his presence in the community.
As the co-founder of The Minikahda Golf Club in Minneapolis, Jaffray left his mark in Minnesota golf. Bringing to life the first permanent golf course in Minneapolis, and serving on the executive committee of the USGA and as president of the MGA, Jaffray was very involved in the game. He was also a player, becoming the first club champion at the Town and Country Club of St. Paul (1898) and The Minikahda Golf Club (1899). Jaffray was also the Minnesota State Amateur Champion in 1906.
As the very first Minnesota Golf Association executive director, Smith was known as “Mr. Golf” in Minnesota. Elected to the MGA Board of Directors in 1938, Smith was responsible for keeping the MGA together during the war years. A known name in Minnesota golf, he left great impressions on players he came in contact with. He is often remembered by his enthusiasm for the game and making every golfer feel like a valued player.
A member at Austin Country Club, amateur golfer Pilot has had great success in Minnesota Women’s golf. Pilot has collected numerous wins throughout her career including 12 Minnesota Women’s Golf Association (MWGA) titles, 11 Minnesota Women’s Public Golf Association (MWPGA) titles, six Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) titles, and two Minnesota Golf Champions’ titles. She has also been a participant and qualifier in many USGA events, reaching the quarterfinal matches at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Women’s Amateur championships, and earning medalist honors at the 2001 USGA State Team.
Pilot has earned prestigious awards including MGA Women’s Co-Player of the Year (1999), MGA Woman Player of the Year (2001-2003, 2005, 2008), and the MGA Senior Woman Player of the Year (2008, 2009).
