Bruce Lee Fleisher, fondly nicknamed “The Flash,” professional golfing legend, and incredible human being both on and off the course, passed away on September 23rd, 2021, after a valiant fight against Multiple Myeloma, Amyloidosis and Heart Failure. Born in Union City, Tennessee on October 16,1948, Bruce’s love for all things golf began at the young age of 7 when he started working as a caddie with his two older brothers.
He attended both Miami Dade Junior College and Furman University, and at the age of 19 became the third-youngest player to win the U.S. Amateur. He followed this great feat by placing lowest amateur at the 1969 Masters Tournament, soon after he would turn professional. His young professional career also included winning both individual and team gold medals in golf at the 1969 Maccabiah games giving much pride to the Jewish community.
Bruce was known as a journeyman, having a very modest PGA tour career with only a single win at The New England Classic. He managed to stay competitive until he was able to join the PGA Champions Tour at the age of 50. He became the first player to ever win back-to-back championships in his first two events. He would go on to win 18 times including a major, the 2001 US Senior Open.
He was a great supporter of First Tee and our children and veterans. Many of his friends and family have made generous donations in his memory to support our mission and programs. Rest in peace Flash.
