2025 Family Impact Ed Rackowski
For Ed Rackowski, golf was never just a game. It was a lifelong companion, teacher, and a bridge to meaningful relationships. Ed’ s connection to golf began in the 1940s, when his father first introduced him to the sport. That passion carried him through his years of caddying at Baltusrol Golf Club, both out of love for the game and to help fund his education at Seton Hall Prep and University.
He loved every aspect of golf: the competition, the camaraderie, and the friendships that lasted decades. Some of his most cherished memories were tied to the courses he loved most. Baltusrol remained close to his heart, while Pinewild Country Club’ s Magnolia Course became home in his later years. Living along the 15th hole, Ed found daily joy in the game. Among his many memories, one stood above the rest: his first hole-in-one on April 17, 1994, at Pinch Brook in New Jersey, witnessed by his son, Eddie.
Golf was also a legacy he passed down through generations. To Ed, it was a classroom without walls, where young players learn respect, integrity, and perseverance, while creating space for meaningful conversations across generations. After his passing, family and friends honored his life by directing contributions to the U. S. Kids Golf Foundation, an organization that shares Ed’ s belief in the power of the game to shape young lives.
At Pinewild, a bench now overlooks the 15th hole, a quiet tribute to a life well lived, where family and friends pause to reflect on his presence and joy.
For his grandchildren, Ed’ s legacy lives on through stories of his beloved“ golden putter.” His grandson Cole often reflects on how his grandfather made him a better golfer and how much he treasured their time on the course together. Ed and his wife, Pat, were fortunate to spend their retirement years in Pinehurst, fully immersed in the game and community he loved.
Through the generosity of those who knew him, Ed Rackowski’ s impact lives on, helping new generations discover the game that gave him so much.
“ He took great pride in seeing his son and grandchildren embrace the game.”