On March 2, 2026, the world of golf lost one of its most distinctive voices: Colman McCarthy. Known primarily for his nearly three-decade tenure as a Washington Post columnist, McCarthy’s influence stretched far beyond his writings. His life was a fascinating journey that intertwined the PGA Tour, spiritual discipline, and social consciousness, making him a figure revered not only for his sports insight but also for his deep commitment to peace and justice.
A Golfer’s Early Ambitions and Monastic Journey
Born in 1938 on Long Island’s North Shore, Colman McCarthy grew up in a household where sports and social ideals coexisted. His father, an Irish-Catholic immigration lawyer with a passion for golf and baseball, instilled in him a love for the game from a young age. McCarthy’s early years were marked by serious dedication to golf, and he dreamed of turning professional. He played competitively through his high school years in the 1950s and continued at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, a Jesuit institution where he competed on the golf team and maintained a sub-70 scoring average as a junior.
However, McCarthy’s path took an unexpected turn after college. Rather than pursuing a conventional golfing career, he spent five years living in a Trappist monastery in rural Georgia, training to become a monk. This period of spiritual reflection profoundly shaped his worldview, instilling in him a lifelong commitment to peace and social justice, which later found expression in his Peace Studies classes and journalistic work.
Golf and Journalism: A Life Intertwined with the Game
After his monastic sojourn, McCarthy returned to the nation’s capital, where golf served as both a pastime and a social bridge. Washington, D.C.'s golf courses, ranging from the public East Potomac course to the exclusive Burning Tree Club—a venue known for its association with presidents and diplomats—became familiar grounds for him. His engagement with golf was not just recreational; it was a portal into diverse communities and conversations.
His love for the sport translated into thoughtful writing that often appeared in the Washington Post. McCarthy’s columns reflected a deep understanding of golf’s nuances, blending technical insight with philosophical musings. He advocated for the simple joys of the game: walking the course, adhering to rules, and the camaraderie found on the fairways. His 1977 book, The Pleasures of the Game, captured this ethos, emphasizing the game's ability to exercise the body, stimulate the mind, and elevate the spirit.
Challenging the Status Quo: The 1977 Masters Boycott Proposal
McCarthy’s influence extended beyond his writing style. In the lead-up to the 1977 Masters Tournament, he boldly criticized the event’s exclusivity. The Masters, held at Augusta National, was notorious for its selective invitation process, which often sidelined talented golfers, including Black players and international stars. McCarthy suggested a player boycott, proposing that the Tournament Players Championship should ascend in prestige, effectively relegating the Masters to a less significant status he mockingly dubbed the "Clifford Roberts Invitational," after the club chairman.
This provocative stance sparked conversation about meritocracy and inclusivity in golf. Although McCarthy had no involvement in the subsequent death of Clifford Roberts six months later, his critique anticipated changes that would make tournament invitations more equitable. His willingness to confront the establishment reflected his broader commitment to fairness both in sport and society.
Connections, Teaching, and Lasting Impact
McCarthy’s life was marked by meaningful relationships across varied spheres. From caddying for the fiery Tommy Bolt as a youth to counting folk singer Joan Baez and public servant Sargent Shriver among his friends, he embraced a wide spectrum of personalities. His interactions on and off the golf course enriched his perspectives, which he shared generously through teaching and writing.
His Peace Studies classes, taught at universities and high schools, challenged students to move beyond awareness of global violence to active engagement in peace-building efforts. This mission complemented his sporting life, as he viewed golf courses as places of reflection and community. Colman’s family life was equally intertwined with sport and education. His wife, Mav, a nurse and a conservative Catholic from Greenwich, Connecticut, complemented his liberal views, illustrating the harmony of opposites. Their three sons followed paths in teaching, coaching, and public relations, with one son notably advising Augusta National during the club’s early 2000s controversies on membership policies.
The Final Years and Enduring Legacy
Colman McCarthy spent his final years in the Dominican Republic with his son John and his family, remaining connected to golf until the end. Even at 87, he could be found practicing on the practice greens of Casa de Campo, embodying his lifelong passion for the sport. His death on February 27, 2026, marked the closing of a chapter characterized by a unique blend of athletic dedication, spiritual depth, and social advocacy.
For those who cherish golf, McCarthy’s story offers more than a record of scores or columns; it presents a vision of the game as a medium for personal growth and societal betterment. His contributions to the PGA Tour’s narrative and beyond remind us that golf, like life, is enriched by those who dare to challenge norms and seek harmony on multiple levels.
As reported by Golf.com contributor Michael Bamberger, McCarthy’s life was a testament to the power of pursuing diverse passions and standing firmly for one’s principles, leaving a legacy that resonates with golfers, journalists, and peace advocates alike. For more on this topic, see Golf News: PGA Superstore’s Triumphant Return to Atlanta Marks a New Chapter.