Celebrating Golfweek’s 50th Anniversary: A Look Back with Martin Kaufmann
As part of the festivities surrounding Golfweek’s 50th anniversary, we’re revisiting memories with former team members who significantly contributed to our legacy. Today, we spotlight Martin Kaufmann, a talented writer whose passion for golf and compelling storytelling brought him around the globe.
Martin Kaufmann at Golfweek: Years of Service
Years Worked: 2003 – 2019
Role and Responsibilities at Golfweek
Title: Former Assistant Business Editor, Managing Editor of The Golf Life
In his early years, Kaufmann served as an assistant business editor, focusing on equipment companies and retailers for three years. By 2006, he transitioned to managing editor of The Golf Life, a new section dedicated to travel, real estate, and architecture. Throughout his 16-year tenure, he also penned Golfweek’s television and media column.
Current Endeavors
Today, Martin Kaufmann works as an independent editorial contractor, handling various projects, including occasional assignments for Golfweek.
Career Highlights
Proudest Achievement: One of Kaufmann’s most cherished moments at Golfweek stemmed from a memorable road trip with notable golf course designer David McLay Kidd in 2014. This journey through the Pacific Northwest explored Kidd’s evolution from the darling of the golf architecture scene, credited with Bandon Dunes, to a transformative figure advocating for fun and playable golf courses for all skill levels. Kaufmann’s piece on this journey not only captured Kidd’s storytelling prowess but also celebrated a shift in golf course design philosophy.
Memorable Experiences
Hair-on-Fire Moment: Reflecting on his early days, Kaufmann recalls the intense environment of the PGA Merchandise Show. Spending four to five demanding days at the event often meant crafting stories late into Sunday night for extensive coverage, a testament to the fast-paced world of golf journalism.
Favorite Golf Course
When asked about his favorite course, Kaufmann couldn’t settle on just one. However, he shared that Royal Dornoch holds a special place in his heart. The experience at Dornoch transcended expectations, leaving him feeling invigorated and spiritually connected to the game as he walked off the final hole.
As we celebrate 50 years of Golfweek, we express our gratitude to all former employees who have generously shared their stories and experiences. The golf journalism community is tight-knit, and we take pride in the accomplishments of all our past colleagues.
