Reflections
Remembering Kansas City Golf Icon
Frank Kirk
“ No one impacted the game more ,” Tom Watson .
Editorial by Alan Hoskins
Frank Kirk ’ s passing at the age of 81 on September 7 , 2024 , leaves a void in Kansas City golf not likely to be filled . Whether it be the First Tee of Greater Kansas City , the YMCA , United Way , or a fistful of golf foundations and associations , Kirk contributed to the game of golf in so many ways .
For starters , Kirk was on the Board of Directors or a trustee for the Kansas Golf Association , Kansas Golf Foundation , Kansas City Golf Association ( now Central Lins Golf ), Midwest PGA Foundation , the First Tee of Kansas City , Western Golf Association , Harris Park Golf , and three of Tom Watson ’ s foundations . He likewise was on the Board of Directors at four country clubs — Blue Hills , Mission Hills , LaQuinta ( CA ), and a club he helped found , Wolf Creek .
Outside of golf , Kirk also gave freely of his time to the boards of the YMCA , United Way , Kansas City Tomorrow , Folds of Honor , Kansas Phi Delta Theta , Johnson County Community College , and the Johnson County Community Center .
Artist John Martin ’ s sketch of Kansas City Golf Icon Frank Kirk .
Tom Watson believes the late Frank Kirk impacted golf in Kansas City more than any other . Countless others agreed . Family , friends , and associates stood shoulder to shoulder in a large reception room , many spilling over to an adjoining room . Others waited in line to enter . Parking places were at a premium . Shuttle service was provided . All in celebration of the life of the Kansas City icon at Mission Hills Country Club on October 30 , 2024 .
“ Without a doubt , Frank Kirk impacted so many and did it so unassuming ,” said Tom Watson . “ And not for any reward or payback for anything he did for people . Even when he was approaching 80 , he helped Chris Harris build a golf and recreation sanctuary in the Ivanhoe neighborhood on 19th Street in Kansas City .” And just two years ago , in 2023 , Kirk notched his 13th hole-in-one .
Watson and Kirk first met in 1964 when a 14-year-old Watson defeated Kirk in the semifinals of the Kansas City Match Play Tournament at the old Blue Hills Country Club on 61st Street . Watson then went on to win the tourney by defeating Bob Devine in a 36-hole final — a championship that would forever impact Watson ’ s golf career .
“ By winning , I got to play with Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus , and that gave me the dream of becoming a professional golfer ,” says Watson . At 15 , Watson was even with Palmer at 2-under through nine
12 January 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE