William J. “Bunny” Richards

For 37 years Bunny Richards was the head golf professional at the Hillcrest Country Club. He came to Lincoln in 1946 after his discharge from the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant and remained the head pro until he retired in 1983. Prior to World War II, Bunny had been the head pro at the Manhattan Country Club in Kansas.

Richards, who dies in 1990 at the age of 71, was widely respected as a teacher — not just of the swing and mechanics of golf – but as a person who instilled respect and etiquette plus the tradition and integrity of the game in those he tutored.

Bunny took great pride in the accomplishments of the people he introduced to the game, many of whom became the outstanding golfers in the state.

“If I can teach a person the basic fundamentals and get them interested in golf, then I’ve done my part,” he often said. “The game itself will take care of the rest after they become hooked on golf.”

In 1963 and again in 1980, Richards was named Professional of the Year by the Nebraska Section of the PGA. By maintaining his membership after retirement, Bunny earned his 50-year pin from the PGA. He was also president of the Nebraska Section in 1964.

Bunny’s extreme dedication was demonstrated in 1977 when he suffered a heart attack, underwent open-heart bypass surgery and was back on the job one month later.