INPERSON
Tee Time
Sam Depe III has devoted his life to golf and the community .
BY NICOLE TAFE
Sam Depe III has dedicated his life to the sport of golf , leaving an indelible mark on both the local golfing community and the South Fayette area . Born and raised in Bridgeville , Sam ’ s journey into the world of golf began at an early age , shaped by his father ’ s profession .
“ My father , Sam Depe Jr ., was an assistant golf professional at St . Clair Country Club . I learned the golf business from ‘ the group up ,’” Sam says as he reminisces about his early years in the industry .
His passion for golf blossomed during his teenage years when he worked alongside his father every summer day . From caddying to cleaning golf clubs and even hustling golf carts , Sam immersed himself in the intricacies of the sport . This hands-on experience laid the foundation for a successful career that would span decades .
After excelling in high school , captaining the golf team , and securing Point Park University ’ s first golf scholarship , Sam ’ s skills were showcased on a national level in 1969 . The university ’ s golf team , captained by Sam , finished an impressive fourth in the National Tournament in Ft . Worth , Texas . This achievement later earned him a well-deserved spot in the Point Park University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 .
Following his college career , Sam turned professional and joined his father as an assistant pro at Hidden Valley Country Club . In 1981 , he moved to South Hills Country Club , where he spent 28 remarkable years building lifelong friendships before retiring in 2008 .
Retirement didn ’ t mean slowing down for Sam , though . In 2009 , he , along with his son Sammy , purchased Hickory Heights Golf Club . Despite the club needing substantial renovations , they dedicated themselves to transforming it into a premier facility . Today , Hickory Heights stands as a testament to their hard work , offering a challenging golf course , a welcoming pub with delightful offerings , and a banquet room for various events .
Reflecting on his family-friendly club , Sam notes , “ Giving back to the community makes us a great South Fayette neighbor .” The club proudly serves as the home course for South Fayette ’ s highly successful varsity and junior varsity boys and girls golf teams , fostering a positive relationship with the school district .
Beyond his contributions to the local golfing scene , Sam has achieved numerous personal milestones . A member of the PGA for 44 years , he served on the Tri-State PGA Board of Directors from 1988 to 1992 and was honored as the Golf Professional of the Year . In recognition of his outstanding contributions and character , Sam received the national PGA ’ s Deacon Palmer Award and was elected to the Tri-State PGA Hall of Fame .
Sam ’ s life is not only about golf — it ’ s a story of resilience and dedication . His A . C . E . Award in 1999 ( Athletics , Courage , and Education ) highlighted his ability to overcome adversity , specifically significant injuries sustained in an auto accident in 1998 .
As Sam Depe III continues to shape the local golfing landscape and contribute to the South Fayette community , his legacy stands as an inspiration to aspiring golfers and a testament to the enduring power of passion and hard work in any field . n
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