The Virginia State Golf Association joins the Mid-Atlantic and national golf communities in mourning the death of Dr. Lewis H. Blakey, Ph.D., of Alexandria, who died on March 18 after a brief illness. He was 92.
A member of the third induction class of the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, Blakey was an authoritative voice on the Rules of Golf. His friendship with fellow Virginia Golf Hall of Famer Clyde Luther helped spur him on his journey to Rules expertise.
Born on November 23, 1933, in Burlington, North Carolina, Blakey was introduced to golf at Alamance Country Club at age 14. He played for his high school golf team before attending the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
Shortly after graduation in 1954, Blakey served the U.S. Army as part of the Corps of Engineers. That led him down the path of working as an engineer for the U.S. government. While embarking on that civilian career, he earned a Master of Science in Engineering from George Washington University in 1962 and a Ph.D. in Engineering and Mathematics from Catholic University in 1971, along with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago in 1974.
His exceptional work was rewarded at the highest levels. Blakey received a Senior Service Presidential award, presented by Ronald Reagan in 1982. In 1989, he was awarded the Department of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Award by the Secretary of Defense. He retired from government service in 1989.
The relationship between Blakey and Luther – who are both members of the Middle Atlantic Golf Association Hall of Fame – dates to 1964. Blakey and Luther shared a common interest in the Rules of Golf, and after a long conversation one day, Luther talked about “how (Blakey) was going to be the best Rules guy in the state of Virginia,” Blakey recalled in a 2018 interview.
“Eventually, I said, ‘Clyde, I’m getting ready to retire one of these days, and it’s time for me to jump in. And that’s how it all started.”
Since his first involvement with the VSGA in 1989, and in addition to many VSGA championships, Blakey served as a Rules official at more than 100 national championships, including two Walker Cups, eight Masters, 19 U.S. Opens, one Open Championship, one LPGA International Crown, and one PGA Championship.
Blakey was a member of the USGA Executive Committee from 2001-06 and was a member of the joint R&A/USGA Rules of Golf Committee from 2001-07.
“Lew was a true Southern gentleman, a dedicated family man, and a beloved friend to so many in the golf community,” USGA Chief Championship Officer John Bodenhamer said. “He was one of the world's foremost experts on the Rules of Golf and many sought his counsel over the years. He impacted the USGA in so many positive ways, including as a member of our Executive Committee and as a trusted referee for countless USGA National Championships. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy within the game will endure.”
Added USGA Chief Governance Officer Thomas Pagel: “Lew brought an unmatched and contagious passion to his work with the USGA and the Rules of Golf. He was an educator, a mentor and more importantly a friend to so many that shared his interest in breaking down the complexity and nuances of the rules. If there was a coaching tree for rules experts, there is no doubt that Lew would be at the very top. His contributions – and his memory – will carry forward through all that he touched with his work."
Blakey helped hundreds of individuals increase their understanding of the Rules of Golf through writing and teaching both in person and through his websites, throughthegreen.org and generalarea.org, the latter of which is still active today. He also mentored dozens of Rules of Golf officials across the country.
“Lew Blakey was acknowledged as one of the world’s leading experts on the Rules of Golf,” Virginia Golf Hall of Fame President Gib Palmer said. “He had a unique ability to convey his knowledge to players and students learning the Rules to help them understand not only the basics of the Rules, but also the underlying principles supporting them. He was an excellent teacher and mentor.
“He was also one of our country’s best Rules officials, having worked hundreds of championships including numerous VSGA events. His on-course demeanor was appreciated by players who sought his assistance with rulings and was often considered one of the most thoughtful and helpful members of the Rules Committee. All of us involved with the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame will miss Lew, an iconic contributor to golf in Virginia and beyond.”
Along with his Hall of Fame recognition, Blakey earned the David Wortman Citizen of the Year Award from the Middle Atlantic PGA in 2007.
Blakey also excelled as a player, winning six senior club championships; the 1991 VSGA Northern Section Senior Amateur; the 1999 and 2000 VSGA Northern Section Senior Four-Ball Championship (with Virginia Golf Hall of Famer Dave King); the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association Senior Amateur in 1992 and 1998; and the Delaware State Golf Association Senior Amateur in 1994.
Blakey is survived by his wife of 36 years, Claire, along with three children—Lewis Jr., Beverli, and Lynn.