Ed Whitman

(Class of 2022)

Ed Whitman, one of the most prolific club professionals in New Jersey history, has compiled a whopping 225 professional wins and collected an impressive 20 major professional championships in the Garden State. His most notable victories are titles in the 1991, ‘95, ‘96 and 2004 Open Championships; he is also a four-time winner of the New Jersey PGA Section Championship (1982, ’83, ’87, ’90).

His record in the NJSGA Open Championship is virtually unparalleled. Whitman has played in the most consecutive NJSGA Opens (46, 1975-present), made the most consecutive cuts (36, 1980-2015), carded the lowest score (17-under-par, 267, 1991 at Rock Spring Club), and fired four rounds in the 60s (1991 at Rock Spring). He is one of only three players to win the NJSGA Open four times; fellow Hall of Fame member Babe Lichardus and 2022 inductee David Glenz are the other two to accomplish the feat.

Whitman grew up in Milford, N.J., where he learned game as a member of Oak Hill Golf Club. After graduating from college, Whitman started his career in 1973 as an assistant golf professional, also at Oak Hill. He moved on to another assistant professional position at Hackensack Golf Club before his next and final stop, Knickerbocker Country Club, where he remained as head golf professional for over 30 years. Knickerbocker continues to honor Whitman as its golf professional emeritus and he continues to give lessons at the club.

Whitman was also a dominant presence in NJPGA competition. In addition to his four section titles, Whitman has won two NJPGA Match Play Championships, six NJPGA-U.S. Healthcare Championships, two NJPGA Players Championships and two Titleist NJ Club Pro Championships. He is also a five-time NJPGA Player of the Year (1989, ’93, ’95, ’96, 2004) and is a 1996 inductee into the NJPGA Hall of Fame.

On the national stage, Whitman has competed in 21 PGA Professional National Championships, 15 Senior PGA Professional National Championships, four PGA Championships, two U.S. Open Championships, two Senior PGA Championships and one U.S. Senior Open.