Don Johnson
Don
Johnson was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on
Friday, October 6, 1922. His
uncle and aunt, Henry and Bertha Moe built the
then 9 hole Hallie Golf Course in 1924. Don
essentially grew up on the course from a very
early age.
Since
the inception of the Chippewa Valley Golf
Association in 1958, Don had won twelve events,
however, prior to 1958 Don won 22 times in the Eau
Claire area at various tournaments. He won
the first Hallie Open in 1941. In
total, he won 7 more Hallie
Opens – more than anyone in it’s history. Don
was considered the premier player in 40’s, 50’s
and 60’s and is credited with winning a total of
34 times.
His
accomplishments didn’t end in the Chippewa Valley. Don
competed in the Saint Paul Open against the likes
of Sam Snead, Johnny Revolta, Horton Smith, and
Jimmy Demaret to name a few. He
played exhibitions at the Eau Claire Country Club
with Gene Littler and George Bayer and Marilyn
Smith.
Don
was a caring husband and father who along with his
wife Wilma raised their daughter, Kathy. He
was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and bowler.
Don passed away on Friday, January
4, 2013 at the age of 90.