Renowned golf writer Ronald Green passed away at the age of 95 after a brief illness on September 18, as announced by his son, Ron Jr., on Facebook. Green had an illustrious career as a sports columnist for the Charlotte News and the Charlotte Observer, covering some of the most iconic events and individuals in the region for over five decades. Born in Greenville, S.C., Green started working for the afternoon paper right after graduating high school in 1948. Throughout his career, he covered more than 80 golf major championships, including 60 consecutive Masters tournaments, as well as 25 Super Bowls, four Olympic Games, 26 Final Fours, and various other sporting events.
Green’s passion for journalism was evident in his work as he once stated, “I loved newspapers. I still remember the first day I walked into a newspaper office – how it smelled. The ink and the paper. Never got over it. I loved being a newspaperman.” His dedication to the craft earned him a place in several prestigious halls of fame, including the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, the United States Basketball Writers Hall of Fame, and the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame. In recognition of his contributions to golf journalism, he received the PGA of America Lifetime Achievement in Journalism award in 2006.
Green was not only a prolific writer but also a published author, with four books to his name, including ‘From Tobacco Road to Amen Corner: On Sports and Life’ (1990) and ‘Slow Dancing with Bobby Jones’ (2004). Despite his numerous accolades and accomplishments, Green remained humble and expressed gratitude for having a talent that he believed was a blessing. He reflected on his career saying, “I was born with a talent that can’t be taught and that’s just a blessing that fell to me. Plus, I loved my job.” He described his time in journalism as being in his personal heaven, where he had the best seats, interacted with players and coaches, and saw his work published in the paper.
In addition to his professional achievements, Green was also honored within the golf community, with the Charlotte City Amateur golf championship trophy named after him. He maintained a special connection to the Masters tournament and Augusta National, where he spent a significant amount of time during his career. Despite his remarkable success, Green remained grounded, attributing his joy and fulfillment to his passion for journalism. He remarked, “If that isn’t heaven for a guy from an old mill hill, what is?” A private funeral service will be held to honor Green’s life, with donations suggested to be made to The First Tee of Greater Charlotte in lieu of flowers.
Green’s legacy as a pioneering sports journalist and esteemed writer will be remembered by those in the golfing community and beyond. His impact on the field of journalism and his dedication to covering sporting events with passion and integrity have left an indelible mark on the industry. Through his writings and contributions to the world of sports, Green will be celebrated for his talent, humility, and unwavering commitment to his craft. As his colleagues and admirers mourn his passing, they will fondly recall the legacy of Ronald Green, a true legend in the realm of sports journalism.
