Tom Crow, founder of Cobra Golf and former Australia Amateur golf champion, has contributed $100,000 to The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Crow has also committed to another three-year term on The Institute's Advisory Council, which provides guidance to The Institute's board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members were selected to enhance The Institute's ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute. The Advisory Council is headed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman. Crow began his service on the Advisory Council in 2004, following three years as a member of The Institute's board of trustees.
"Tom Crow has been a friend to The Institute for many years," says Norman, chairman and c.e.o. of Great White Shark Enterprises. "His unwavering support, innovative ideas as well as his time and financial contributions have helped shape its strategic direction. His commitment to another term on the Advisory Council is a strong vote of confidence for The Institute."
Crow won club championships at Kingston Heath, Royal Melbourne and Royal Sydney. He also won the 1952 Victorian Close Championship, the 1956 Victorian Amateur Championship and the 1957 Victorian Champion of Champions, setting a course record of 63 on Royal Melbourne’s West Course. He represented Victoria on the state team, won the 1961 Australian Amateur Championship and represented Australia in the Eisenhower International Teams Championship in 1962 and 1964. In 1973, Crow and his family moved to the United States, and with $60,000 he founded Cobra Golf Inc., dedicated to bringing the best in equipment at an affordable price to golfers at all experience levels. Endorsed by the likes of Norman and Hale Irwin, Cobra's selling price more than two decades later was $750 million, highlighting a phenomenal financial success story that has had a vital impact on the game.
Crow developed the legendary "Baffler," a utility wood that began an arms race by nearly all other golf companies to recreate. He initiated the three-wedge system, created the first extra-length driver and reintroduced graphite shafts to the market for lighter-weight clubs. Crow's contributions on behalf of the game continue today and include his role in bringing the life story of famous golfer Bobby Jones to movie screens in Bobby Jones - Stroke of Genius. He was awarded the 2003 Ernie Sabayrac Award by the PGA of America for "life contribution to the golf industry."
"I have been very fortunate to have been around the great game of golf my entire life," Crow said. "I wanted to continue my commitment to The Institute because of the important role environmental stewardship plays with golf."