Robert H. Dedman, Sr.
| Robert H. Dedman Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1926 Rison, Arkansas |
| Died | 2002 |
| Education |
North Dallas High School University of Texas at Austin Southern Methodist University |
| Occupation | Businessman, philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Dedman |
| Children |
Robert H. Dedman Jr. Patricia Dedman "Patty" Dietz |
Robert H. Dedman Sr. (1926–2002) was an American businessman and philanthropist. He is best known as the Founder and past Chairman of ClubCorp.
Robert Dedman was born in poverty in Rison, Arkansas. His family house only had two bedrooms and no electricity or running water. At the age of fourteen, he and his brother moved to Dallas, Texas to live with their aunt. He attended North Dallas High School and graduated as valedictorian in 1944, upon which he joined the United States Navy. Whilst serving as a sailor during the day, he received three degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, in engineering, economics, and law. After he left duty, he earned a law degree from Southern Methodist University in 1953, specializing in oil, gas, and taxation. During that time, he sold insurance during the week and real estate on the weekends.
He started his career by joining a prominent law firm in Dallas. During that time, H. L. Hunt became his mentor. After learning to play golf from Byron Nelson, Ralph Guldahl and Ben Hogan, he decided to invest in golf courses. In 1957, he founded Country Club, Inc., later renamed ClubCorp.
He served two terms as the Chairman of the Texas State Highway and Public Transportation Commission of the Texas Department of Transportation. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Stewart Information Services Corporation.
He was invited to Camp David by President George H.W. Bush. He became the Entrepreneur of the Year in 1976 from the Cox School of Business at SMU, Dallas Humanitarian of the Year in 1980, Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Horatio Alger Award from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans in 1989. He was inducted in the Academy of Achievement of the Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI). In 2003, Dedman received the Ambassador of Golf Award, presented annually to a person who has fostered the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concern for others extends beyond the golf course.
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