Al Beister

Al Beister was “Mr. Golf” in Fremont, Nebraska, serving more than 30 years as the head golf professional at the Fremont Golf Club (1952-83). His influence on people and the game reached far beyond that city or the state’s boundaries. In addition to serving as president of the Nebraska Section of the PGA, Al was elected national vice-president of the PGA of America.

An excellent player, Al qualified for the 1946 PGA Championship and the 1950 U.S. Open. An even more outstanding teacher of the game, Beister watched three of his Fremont High teams win the state championships. The children of at least six of his Fremont GC members followed Al’s footsteps into the golf profession.

A few of Nebraska’s past state golf champions who were touched by Al’s expertise include Bob Fraser, who is also being inducted into the Hall of Fame in this class, plus other past Hall of Fame honorees Jim English, Byron Adams and Del Ryder.

Al Beister’s respect for the game of golf is legendary. He was a traditionalist of the game at a time during tremendous change.

Beister began his career as an assistant professional at the Highland Country Club in Omaha, then moved to the Happy Hollow Club. He later was the head pro at the Riverside Golf Club in Grand Island before beginning his long stint in Fremont.

Al Beister, who left an indelible mark on the sport of golf, died January 31, 1989.