Bill McCormick – Champion Golfer, Military Veteran, Long Beach Icon
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As I continue building the Legends of Long Beach series, I can’t help but feel both excited and deeply honored. Long Beach has a golf history that transcends scorecards. It delves into a story of people, community, and tradition.
Getting the chance to learn about this history firsthand, and to meet and talk with the men and women who shaped it, has been an incredible privilege. These conversations remind me that the game of golf in Long Beach isn’t just about competition—it’s about legacy, resilience, and the pride of a city that has produced champions on and off the course.
This series is my way of helping preserve and celebrate that legacy. And today, I’m proud to share the story of one of Long Beach’s true icons: Bill McCormick.
Few athletes have left a mark on Long Beach sports history as deeply as Bill McCormick. McCormick’s journey began at Millikan High School. He dominated city and state championships. Later, he found success representing the game during his military service. McCormick’s story is one of talent, discipline, and community pride.
As I continue building the Legends of Long Beach series, I can’t help but feel both excited and deeply honored. Long Beach has a golf history that transcends scorecards. It delves into a story of people, community, and tradition.
Getting the chance to learn about this history firsthand, and to meet and talk with the men and women who shaped it, has been an incredible privilege. These conversations remind me that the game of golf in Long Beach isn’t just about competition—it’s about legacy, resilience, and the pride of a city that has produced champions on and off the course.
This series is my way of helping preserve and celebrate that legacy. And today, I’m proud to share the story of one of Long Beach’s true icons: Bill McCormick.
Few athletes have left a mark on Long Beach sports history as deeply as Bill McCormick. McCormick’s journey began at Millikan High School. He dominated city and state championships. Later, he found success representing the game during his military service. McCormick’s story is one of talent, discipline, and community pride.
High School Years – Millikan’s Rising Star
- 1960–1962: Named All City & League First Team Golf three consecutive years at Long Beach Millikan High School.
- 1962: Also excelled in basketball, showcasing his versatility as a two-sport athlete.
These formative years established McCormick as one of the brightest young talents in Long Beach athletics.
City & State Championships – A Dominant Force
Bill’s rise through the ranks of amateur golf was nothing short of remarkable:
- Skylinks Club Champion (1962–1964) – earning lifetime membership.
- Long Beach Masters Winner (1962–1964).
- Long Beach City Golf Champion (1964, 1966, 1969).
- Los Angeles City Golf Champion (1964).
- SoCal Public Links Champion (1964).
- California Public Links Champion (1964, Torrey Pines).
- Public Links – SoCal Club Champion (1964).
- Press-Telegram Long Beach City Golfer of the Year (1964–1965).
His 1964 season stands out as a historic achievement in Long Beach golf history. He swept city, regional, and state titles in a single year.
National & Professional-Level Competition
McCormick’s talent carried him beyond local borders:
- Western Ave Golf Open – tied for 1st with Pete Brown, a three-time PGA Tour winner.
- California Open (Bakersfield) – finished 2nd.
- Southwestern Amateur (El Paso, Texas) – winner in 1966.
These results placed him among the top amateurs in the country, competing shoulder-to-shoulder with future PGA professionals.
Military Service & Golf Legacy
Bill carried his competitive spirit into his military career, where he continued to shine:
- 1967: Outstanding Basic Training Winner.
- 1967: Fort Ord Club Champion.
- 1968: 7th Infantry Division Champion.
- 1968: Low Amateur at the Korean Open.
Even while serving, he represented Long Beach and American golf with distinction, proving his dedication to both country and sport.
Legacy in Long Beach
Bill McCormick is more than a name in the record books—he is a legend of Long Beach, a champion whose story deserves to be remembered and celebrated. His journey from Millikan High to city, state, and military championships reflects the best of Long Beach’s sporting tradition.
