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MGA Mourns the Passing of Lowell M. Schulman

It is with great sadness that the Metropolitan Golf Association mourns the passing of Lowell M. Schulman.  Mr. Schulman, an emeritus member of the MGA Foundation Board of Directors, passed away of natural causes on October 8th at age 91.  MGA president Michael Sullivan noted, “Lowell Schulman leaves an immense legacy with our Association, as well as a Westchester County real estate developer, philanthropist and noted golf collector.  Golf has a wonderful tradition of volunteers giving back to the game and Lowell set the standard in this regard. He was a role model for all of us to follow.”

Although he began his career in a family retail business, it was as a real estate developer that Lowell Schulman changed the direction of his life and, along with it, the landscape along the Cross Westchester Expressway. Through his development of office buildings and parks, known as “The Platinum Mile,” he was instrumental in attracting many of the nation’s largest companies to Westchester County.

Intertwined with Lowell’s successful career as a developer was an ever-growing interest in, and love for, golf. The long-time member and former president of Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, N.Y, used his talent as a developer to help create nearby Brae Burn Country Club in the early 1960s, his first “hands on” involvement in the game.  Thirty years later, with Rees Jones, he brought the Atlantic Golf Club into existence.  Atlantic was not only hailed as one of the country’s best new layouts in 1992, but one that set the standard for environmentally responsible golf course development.  Atlantic today remains one of the top courses in the country.

Over the same thirty-plus year period and until his death, Lowell has served the game with great distinction.  He was an influential member of the Met PGA’s Advisory Board and a longtime member of the USGA Museum Committee who generously donated rare antique golf ceramics that grace the halls of the USGA’s Golf House.  Lowell helped found the MGA’s charitable Foundation and was one of its most loyal and generous supporters for more than 30 years.  He was a passionate spokesman for its junior programs, chaired the annual fundraising outing that has raised more than two million dollars for the GOLFWORKS student intern program.  His leadership and support were also critical in helping the MGA Foundation and the Met PGA locate The First Tee facility at the Mosholu Golf Course in the Bronx that today serves as home to the largest First Tee chapter in the country.  He became one of the Foundation Board’s first Emeritus members in 2014, continued his support, and was a valuable advisor until the time of his death.  Jay Mottola, long-time MGA executive director noted, “Lowell was a friend and mentor and his influence on golf throughout the Met Area will be felt for many years to come, he will be missed.”  Lowell earned the MGA’s highest honor the Distinguished Service Award in 2002.

Intertwined with all of this were numerous civic and philanthropic ventures outside of golf and his devotion to raising a loving and supportive family.

Friends looked forward to receiving Lowell’s golf-themed holiday cards that he created each year with the help of fellow DSA winner, the MGA’s own Jeanne McCooey.  The cards always conveyed the importance of balance in our lives… “balance over the ball, balance between friends, and balance among nations.”  Meaningful sentiments that ring true in today’s world and in describing the man, Lowell Schulman.

Lowell M. Schulman’s contributions to golf have been varied and truly unique and represent the highest standards of a true gentleman of the game.  While Lowell achieved great financial success, he was happy to devote his time and talent to the smallest of jobs to preserve the game’s values. A man who, with Atlantic, created a world-class course, but was just as passionate about his role in finding a place for underprivileged kids to play at the nine-hole course in the Bronx.  Truly a life well lived, a life in balance.

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