Paul Ransom’s lifelong love affair with golf began when he was a young boy. Carrying President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s bag, and that of future United States Golf Association president Judy Bell, while a caddie at The Broadmoor, may have had something to do with Paul’s career choice but whatever the motivation, he has been a compelling force in golf in Colorado Springs and his influence has spanned the state.
With one exception, 1959 to 1963, when he was the head professional at Liberal (Kan.) Country Club, he has been a fixture in the Colorado Springs golf community. He served as head professional at Valley Hi golf Club from 1963 to 1967, and starting in 1967 he oversaw every aspect of the golf program at Patty Jewett Golf Course.
Colorado state high school champion in 1951, Paul moved on to North Texas State University where he was captain and Most Valuable Player of the 1958 golf team. He has served on the executive committee of the Colorado PGA and, in 1989, was named the Colorado Section’s Golf Professional of the Year and Junior Golf Leader of the Year, the first to receive both awards in the same year.
Ransom arguably made his greatest contribution to golf in Colorado through his work with juniors. He founded the Colorado Springs junior golf program and has been a force in its development over the years. One visit to Patty Jewett will confirm his dedication to seeing that new generations of golfers are imbued with his love of the game: There are always youngsters waiting to tee it up.
A revealing indicator of Paul’s character is his receipt, in 1997, of the Colorado PGA’s Warren Smith Award, named for the former Cherry Hills Country Club professional. The award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement. Paul was just the ninth professional to receive that accolade. Consummate gentleman, superb teacher, community leader, Paul Ransom’s presence honors the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.
After retiring in 2000, Ransom continued to live in Colorado Springs until his death in 2023 at the age of 88.
