ELMSFORD, N.Y. (April 9, 2026) — The MGA mourns the loss of longtime Baltusrol Golf Club Director of Golf Doug Steffen, who passed away on April 2 at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
Steffen, born in Greensburg, Pa., attended Miami of Ohio. After beginning his professional career as an assistant at Jupiter Hills Club, Steffen landed at Baltusrol Golf Club as an assistant under Bob Ross in 1977. He went on to serve as Director of Golf at Middle Bay Country Club and Fresh Meadow Country Club on Long Island before returning to Baltusrol upon Ross’ retirement in 1996. He served as Director of Golf for 20 years and though he retired at Baltusrol in 2016, he continued his passion for the game as Director of Golf at Naples National Golf Club for three years before retiring again.
Steffen had a career that excelled in all areas, whether it was playing, managing a shop, or mentoring future professionals in the game. He competed in the U.S. Open in 1975 – the same year in which he married Gina, his bride of 50 years – and later competed in the 1984 PGA Championship, 2000 Senior U.S. Open and numerous PGA Professional Championships. He was New Jersey Section Golf Professional of the Year in both 2008 and 2016. While in the Met Section, Steffen received the Bill Strausbaugh Award and was named 1988 Private Club Merchandiser of the Year. Steffen was the PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year in 2007 while at Baltusrol. The award certainly came with the help of Gina, as the two shared a special partnership in merchandising dating back to her hiring by Ross to work in the Baltusrol shop during Steffen’s first stint at the club.
Admired by all, Steffen was especially proud of “The Steffen Invitational” that was established by the women’s group at Baltusrol, with the event reflecting their respect for all he had done.
Beyond being the consummate golf professional, Steffen will be remembered as a selfless person defined by devotion to family and care for others. He cherished time with wife Gina, daughter Emily, and granddaughter Brooke. Steffen’s legacy will live on in all who spent time with him.
