Hall Thompson the man who bought PGA to Birmingham passes away
The founder of the Shoal Creek Country Club passed away on Wednesday morning at his residence.
Hall Thompson, who laid the foundations of the Shoal Creek Country Club passed yesterday morning at the age of 87. The news of his death was disclosed by the president of the club, Bob Luckie on Thursday morning in the club at
Shelby County, south of Birmingham. However, he did not disclose the cause of death.
The deceased started several projects including the Thompson Tractor Co. And after purchasing the North Alabama dealership of Caterpillar in 1957, Thompson manufactured the nation’s most reliable heavy equipment and provided the
best services. It was he, who started the Shoal Creek Country Club from scratch and bought it up to the same footings as other great clubs in Birmingham. In 1984, he bought the PGA Championship to the club and two years later, hosted the U.S. Amateur Championship
at the course.
Despite having a lot of love for golf, Thompson was involved in a controversy that did not allow black golfers to hold club membership. This incident took place before the advent of the 1990 PGA Championship when a journalist was
taking an interview from the founder and Thompson presented his concerns. This started an up roar in the city, but before things could get dirty, Thompson declared in the media that he was misquoted.
The club now has several black members, including big names such as Condoleezza Rice.
Mike Thompson, son of the deceased told the press that his father was a very respectable figure in the area. He said, "I would like others to remember that Dad had a deep respect of people in every walk of life. He loved the employees
at Thompson Tractor and was proud to know their names, their spouses' names and those of their children -- quite an accomplishment in a company of 500 people."
On the other hand Thompson’s close associate and former bank president, Dan Hendley said, "A lot of people viewed him as a tough, outspoken businessman; and he is outspoken, but he is also very kind and generous. He gave a lot
of charitable gifts over the years."
Tags: