Tee Time

Sam Depe III has devoted his life to golf and the community.

Sam Depe III has dedicated his life to the sport of golf, leaving an indelible mark on both the local golfing community and the South Fayette area. Born and raised in Bridgeville, Sam’s journey into the world of golf began at an early age, shaped by his father’s profession.

“My father, Sam Depe Jr., was an assistant golf professional at St. Clair Country Club. I learned the golf business from ‘the group up,’” Sam says as he reminisces about his early years in the industry.

His passion for golf blossomed during his teenage years when he worked alongside his father every summer day. From caddying to cleaning golf clubs and even hustling golf carts, Sam immersed himself in the intricacies of the sport. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for a successful career that would span decades.

After excelling in high school, captaining the golf team, and securing Point Park University’s first golf scholarship, Sam’s skills were showcased on a national level in 1969. The university’s golf team, captained by Sam, finished an impressive fourth in the National Tournament in Ft. Worth, Texas. This achievement later earned him a well-deserved spot in the Point Park University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.

Following his college career, Sam turned professional and joined his father as an assistant pro at Hidden Valley Country Club. In 1981, he moved to South Hills Country Club, where he spent 28 remarkable years building lifelong friendships before retiring in 2008.

Retirement didn’t mean slowing down for Sam, though. In 2009, he, along with his son Sammy, purchased Hickory Heights Golf Club. Despite the club needing substantial renovations, they dedicated themselves to transforming it into a premier facility. Today, Hickory Heights stands as a testament to their hard work, offering a challenging golf course, a welcoming pub with delightful offerings, and a banquet room for various events.

Reflecting on his family-friendly club, Sam notes, “Giving back to the community makes us a great South Fayette neighbor.” The club proudly serves as the home course for South Fayette’s highly successful varsity and junior varsity boys and girls golf teams, fostering a positive relationship with the school district.

Beyond his contributions to the local golfing scene, Sam has achieved numerous personal milestones. A member of the PGA for 44 years, he served on the Tri-State PGA Board of Directors from 1988 to 1992 and was honored as the Golf Professional of the Year. In recognition of his outstanding contributions and character, Sam received the national PGA’s Deacon Palmer Award and was elected to the Tri-State PGA Hall of Fame.

Sam’s life is not only about golf—it’s a story of resilience and dedication. His A.C.E. Award in 1999 (Athletics, Courage, and Education) highlighted his ability to overcome adversity, specifically significant injuries sustained in an auto accident in 1998.

As Sam Depe III continues to shape the local golfing landscape and contribute to the South Fayette community, his legacy stands as an inspiration to aspiring golfers and a testament to the enduring power of passion and hard work in any field.