Bill McCormick: Champion Golfer, Military Veteran, Long Beach Icon

As I continue building the Legends of Long Beach series, I feel both excited and deeply honored. Long Beach has a golf history that transcends scorecards; it’s a rich 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. His journey began at Millikan High School, where he dominated city and state championships. Later, he found success representing the game during his military service. McCormick’s story is a profound example of talent, discipline, and community pride.

Millikan’s Rising Star: High School Years

McCormick’s athletic versatility was clear early on:

• 1960–1962: Named All-City & League First Team Golf for three consecutive years at Long Beach Millikan High School.

• 1962: Also excelled in basketball, showcasing his ability as a talented two-sport athlete.

These formative years established McCormick as one of the brightest young talents in Long Beach athletics.

A Dominant Force: City & State Championships

Bill’s rise through the ranks of amateur golf was nothing short of remarkable, culminating in a historic season:

• Skylinks Club Champion (1962–1964) – earning him 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, held at 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, as he swept city, regional, and state public links titles in a single year—a monumental feat in Long Beach golf history.

National Competition & Professional-Level Play

McCormick’s talent carried him beyond local borders, placing him among the country's top amateurs:

• Western Ave Golf Open: Tied for 1st place with Pete Brown, a three-time PGA Tour winner.

• California Open (Bakersfield): Finished 2nd place.

• Southwestern Amateur (El Paso, Texas): Winner in 1966.

These results placed him shoulder-to-shoulder with future PGA professionals.

Military Service & Continued Legacy

Bill carried his competitive spirit into his military career, where he continued to shine on the course:

• 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 his country, he represented Long Beach and American golf with distinction, proving his dedication to both sport and service.

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 enduring spirit and excellence of Long Beach’s sporting tradition.