Dublin, Ohio – Mike Crotty, PGA, an esteemed PGA of America Golf Professional, dedicated mentor and Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held.

Mike’s lifelong journey in golf began at the age of eight, caddying at Brookside Golf and Tennis Club. What began as a childhood pursuit grew into a distinguished, decades-long vocation. He was elected to PGA Membership in 1973, launching a career defined by service to the game and his community across Southern Ohio. Over the years, he led operations at several facilities, serving New Albany Country Club, Darby Creek Golf Course and Safari Golf Club, before concluding his professional tenure as a teacher at multiple facilities.

A tireless advocate for his fellow professionals, Mike devoted substantial energy to golf governance. He held every office on both the Columbus Chapter and Southern Ohio PGA Boards of Directors, culminating in his term as SOPGA President from 1998 to 1999. His leadership extended nationally to the PGA of America, where he served as District 5 Director from 2000 to 2004 and contributed to numerous committees, including Education, Growth of the Game, Special Awards, Ryder Cup and Junior Ryder Cup.

Above all, Mike’s enduring passion was junior golf. Believing deeply in the game’s power to shape character, he founded and championed numerous grassroots initiatives, including the Greater Central Ohio Junior Golf Association, Hook-A-Kid on Golf, the SOPGA Teaching Marathon and youth golf associations in Powell and Dublin. His national impact was recognized in 1991 when he received the PGA of America Junior Golf Leader Award, an honor preceded by four consecutive SOPGA Junior Golf Leader Awards (1988–1991).

His insight into youth player development was so well regarded that he was personally invited by Tiger Woods on three separate occasions to discuss the state and future of the junior game.

Throughout his career, Mike earned the profound respect of his peers. He was named SOPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1996 and received the SOPGA’s Professional Development Award in 1999, leading to his induction into the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Mike’s legacy lives on through the generations of golfers he introduced to the game and the enduring programs he built across Central Ohio.

Donations can be made to Southern Ohio PGA Junior Golf at PO Box 3066 Dublin, OH 43016, or online by clicking here.