As a young marine during World War II, Dutch Wessner saw his share of the world. But, when his gunnery sergeant told him he was going to Woods Hole, the young boy from Pennsylvania Dutch Country (hence the nick name) said, “What the heck is that?”

He loved his 8-month stint in the small port so much that he returned after the war. For Dutch Wessner, Woods Hole became a home and career base from where he spent 44 years changing and growing the scope of golf on Cape Cod. Among his many accomplishments is a list that includes: being a founding member of the Cape Cod Chapter of the NEPGA, a founding member of the Cape Cod Pro-Am and fall “Octoberfest” Classic (originally called the Indian Summer Tournament). Dutch thought that having an October tournament might just be a good way to draw a few folks to the Cape after Labor Day. And that it did, drawing pros from all over the east coast, including such famous golfers as Henry Cotton. Dutch was also the first golf pro to give Brad Faxon a lesson. He was most proud of marking a half-century as a member of the PGA and serving at Woods Hole Golf Club for more than 40 years.

“I’m just happy with what I’ve gotten out of the game of golf,” Dutch said in his last magazine interview before he passed away at the Mary McCarthy House in 2003, at the age of 78.

Pauline Greenberg
Director of Leadership Giving

Phone: 508-957-0257
E-Mail: pgreenberg@hospicecapecod.org