Mike Joyce, Former Huntington Golf Pro, Dies at 81

Mike Joyce, former golf pro at Huntington Country Club, died  Aug. 28 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was 81.

Joyce was born May 2, 1939 in Huntington, and spent nearly his entire life involved in golf. Bayside Links with his brothers Tom and Bob, who also went on to become PGA professionals, PGATour.com reported.

He played in 132 tournaments after turning 50.  In 1992, Joyce entered the GTE Northwest Classic in Kenmore, Wash., “feeling his game was good enough for perhaps a top-five finish,” PGATour.com said. “That was his goal. He did a little better than that. Joyce began the final round tied for 11th in the Seattle suburb, five shots behind 36-hole leader Mike Hill. He proceeded to go out on the final day at Inglewood Country Club and shoot a tournament-best, 8-under 64 to cruise past Hill and win by two shots.”

“I made birdies, kept the ball in play and hit it close most of the time,” he said after the biggest win of his career. “I felt at home here. It’s a lot like the courses on Long Island, except for the height of the trees.”

Following the death of his wife, Carol, earlier this year, Joyce moved in and was living with his brother Bob in  Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., at the time of his death. The couple had no children, and Joyce is survived by his  brothers. The family is planning a celebration of life in January.

 

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