BUTCH LIEBLER
Butch is rarely seen without Sargeant, his trusted service dog.
I think [ Butch ] is the most unique person or coach I have ever encountered because of the amount of compassion he showed for kids who weren’ t going to go to the professional level. He put the same amount of effort and joy into those who were trying to get a scholarship or just wanted to play the game better. He devoted his entire life to that.
He was working and teaching during the golden moment of Virginia Beach golf. He didn’ t coach Curtis [ Strange ], but he coached Carl Paulson and Evan Beck. He had that quality of kid to work with. I think he was lucky to have that clay to mold. If you have that to work with, that’ s a pretty good starting point for them and for you as a coach. He gained a reputation through the years as somebody who could make kids better. Not just kids, but older players, too.
— Jim Ducibella, Norfolk Virginian-Pilot sportswriter and close friend who passed away in April
A FAMILY TRADITION The story of Butch’ s entry into the world of professional golf includes graduation from Churchland High School and attending Elon College and Old Dominion University before a two-year stint in Vietnam.
He came back from Vietnam“ scarred. I’ m still scarred,” said Butch, who is 83 and has dealt with PTSD for 60 years. His service dog, Sergeant, is his faithful companion.
His father, Alan, a member at Elizabeth Manor Country Club, introduced Butch to golf when he was three years old. Although he won two Portsmouth City Championship golf titles, Butch said his younger brothers Lloyd and Steve and his father were better players.
Butch began his professional career in 1970 at Cedar Point Country Club then filled the head job at Elizabeth Manor( 1970 – 76). He was elected to PGA membership in 1975 prior to becoming head PGA Professional at Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club in 1977. He retired from there in 2000.
“ My dad was a rock star. He was the mayor of Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club,” said Matt, who’ s in his 19th year on the Princess Anne staff.“ It was almost like he had this celebrity status which made him this bigger-than-life type persona. And who doesn’ t want to be part of that?”
STEVEN SALPUKAS / WILLIAM & MARY( DUCIBELLA); COURTESY( GROUP SHOT)
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