Jacky Cupit's 1976 Charley Pride Golf Fiesta Winner Plaque
A high-profile St. Joseph benefit tournament played annually at Rio Rancho Country Club was played prior to Charley Pride's participation with other celebrities, such as actor Dale Robertson and comedian Jimmy Durante, gentlemen who would lend their names and efforts to the cause. Pride signed on in 1974 with the tournament's namesake until 1985, the final years as a PGA Tour Satellite stop. In 1976 Jacky Cupit would take the title, along with this plaque with the United States' Bicentennial appeal. 'Charley Pride Golf Fiesta - Rio Rancho Country Club - St. Joseph Hospital - Albuquerque - Winner' is written on the plaque. Cupit's prize from the tournament with the chart-topping, Grammy winning country music star and entertainer's namesake is offered here. 14" x 11"
The Jacky Cupit Collection
He was ready. After 39 amateur wins the decorated 24-year old collegiate All-American Jacky Cupit from Longview, Texas swiftly proved he belonged on the PGA Tour in 1961. A Canadian Open victory by 5 strokes over his brother Buster and major winners Dow Finsterwald and Bobby Nichols spearheaded a successful Rookie of the Year campaign that also included several top-10 finishes, including a T-9 in his very first major championship - the 1961 US Open. It was a family affair that had never happened before. Two years later it would be that same major tournament, in which he found himself tied with Julius Boros and Arnold Palmer at the end of 72 holes - his final putt just an inch short of winning it outright. Cupit would beat Palmer, but fall to winner Boros in the then 18-hole US Open playoff. What a week it was and the next wasn't bad either for the self-proclaimed former "little guy with hay sticking out of his ears." The Longview Chamber of Commerce recognized their native with a 'Jacky Cupit Day' by presenting him with the gold-plated key to the city. The honor was one of the highlights of his life. With four wins on the PGA Tour between 1961 and 1966, Cupit also won the then "5th major" 1962 Western Open by a pair of strokes over Billy Casper, the 1964 Tucson Open and the 1966 Cajun Classic Open Invitational. Texas Golf Hall of Fame inductee in 1983, Cupit attended University of Houston where he was All-American in 1959 and 1960 and part of three straight NCAA Team championships (each eligible years). Jacky 'Cup-It' is what Don January called him. He was a great putter, along with the additional tools in his belt of a short game and driver. "The total package" Cupit's game was remembered by author and friend Pat Wheeler. Wheeler wrote 'When Golf Was Fun: Tales from the Late, Great Beer & BBQ Circuit' about Cupit and others from the Lone-star state tour. Now recognized as the Golf Professional Emeritus at the Links at Land's End in Yantis, Texas still teaches youth and is co-chairman of the Texas Legends Pro-Am - a fundraiser for the First Tee of Longview. Presented here on Jacky Cupit and his family's behalf is his collection, an honor for The Golf Auction.
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