Gary Adams, the golf club
innovator widely known as "the father of the metal wood," died at his home after
a long illness. He was 56.
Adams, who battled cancer
for three years in the early 90s, died late Sunday, Jan. 2.
Adams founded the Taylor
Made Golf Co., in 1979, and used his pioneering metal woods to lead the company
to prominence. He also started the Founders Club Golf Co. and McHenry Metals,
named for his hometown of McHenry, Ill.
"Were in a little bit of
shock," said Brad Wilhite, the president of McHenry Metals, where Adams was the
chairman and chief executive officer. "But as we mourn his death, were at the
same time celebrating his life and all the people he touched. He was a remarkable
man."
The PGA of America honored
Adams for his lifelong impact on the golf industry with the 1995 Ernie Sabayrac
Award. In 1984, he was elected to the Illinois PGA Hall of Fame and honored as
"Man of the Year" by the National Golf Foundation.
"Gary Adams creativity
in golf equipment set him apart from his peers in the industry," PGA of America
CEO Jim Awtrey said. "Gary's keen foresight and business sense impacted thousands
of PGA professionals and countless amateur golfers who experienced enjoyment
in the game. We will deeply miss him."
A memorial service is scheduled
for Saturday, Jan. 8 in McHenry.
Adams is survived by his
wife, Nancy; son, Bradley; daughters, Becky and Katie; and grandson, Josh.
