Friends & Family Mourn Forest Park Golf Pro
FOREST PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- He was the beloved golf pro at Forest Park Golf Course for 20 years, a mentor to thousands of young golfers.
Ron Matz has more on the sudden passing of a man whose dedication made him an icon in the community.
At Forest Park Golf Course, they're remembering Tim Sanders.
"We worked together at the MTA and he encouraged me to start playing golf in 1995 and that's the reason I play golf now, because of his encouragement," said Aaron Smith.
The popular golf pro died suddenly Monday, doing what he loved: helping others.
"It's a big loss. Tim was someone I totally respected; he was my mentor," said Ed Crawley.
Crawley says Sanders is the one who got him interested in the game of golf.
"He loved golf and Tim was very instrumental in helping me grow into the golf game. He also helped me get certified as an instructor," he said.
Sanders was best known for his work with young people, teaching thousands of young boys and girls the game of golf at Forest Park on weekend mornings.
"It's a huge loss for us and the whole community. It wasn't just golf; he was involved in many things, including the Rotary Club. He was always helping people. He was quite a person," said Russell Bateman, director of operations for Baltimore Municipal Golf. "Tim is most known for his junior golf program. Saturday mornings, he was like the Pied Piper. He'd be leading the kids out for several hundred yards to the green to practice."
Sanders' book was Lessons from the Pro. He gave his many friends lessons in life.
"He was a quiet giant in this area. He just did it. He always wanted to give back to the community," Crawley said. "That's the way he was."
Sanders was 69 years old. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.
Funeral arrangements are not yet complete.
