Point Clear’s Jim Fisher has had a remarkable career as an amateur golfer. He credits his success in business to a life spent on the links. Born in New Rochelle, New York, Fisher began playing golf and winning tournaments as a youth. When college beckoned, he had to make a choice out of top schools like Notre Dame or St. Francis. His mother and father, who he describes as devout Catholics, expected him to attend a good Catholic college. Fisher wanted to move to a warmer climate where he could play golf year around, and Spring Hill College was the perfect solution.
He graduated in 1957 and joined the Army as an officer. The lieutenant became a special services officer and was tasked to entertain the brass which meant playing golf with visiting generals, admirals, and congressmen. The long list of dignitaries included then Vice President Richard Nixon on half a dozen occasions.
After the service, Fisher headed home to resume his golf quest and start a business career. He became an insurance agent and attributes his success to a winning golf game. Fisher explained that he used his achievements on the links to open doors with top business executives.
His fame as an amateur golfer grew as he won a long list of events such as the Ike Championship, the stroke play championship for the greater New York area, and followed up with the Metropolitan Amateur Championship, the match play event.
He qualified for three USGA Junior Championships, three U.S Amateur Championships, and a U.S. Open in 1995. In 1963 the top player, along with Butch Harmon, won the British Victory Tournament in New York. Fisher was inducted into Spring Hill College’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

The successful amateur has graced the covers of the New York Daily News, New York Times, and the Mobile Press Register.
His list of playing partners and friends reads like a who’s who of the golf and entertainment industry. Sam Snead, Ara Parseghian, Bob Hope, Gary Player, Julius Boros, Dean Martin, Phil Harris, Bing Crosby, Ed Sullivan, Gene Sarazen are a few you might recognize.
In 1975 Fisher was invited to join Shinnecock Hills GC, home of the 86, 95, 04, 18 U.S. Opens, where he’s been the only member from Alabama for the past 43 years. He is a former Club and Senior Club Champion and held the competitive course record prior to the U.S. Open in 1986.
Jim and his wife Kate retired to Point Clear in 1994. She plays golf with the ladies at Lakewood GC and he enjoys stock market trading, walking, and a fine wine in the evenings. Their daughter Catherine is getting married March 9, 2019.
When I asked him if there was anything left on his bucket list, Fisher answered simply, “I’m 82 and I just hope I have good health for whatever years I have left.”
Quick Pic Bio Favorites
Favorite Golfer—Jack Nicklaus
Favorite Read—Barron’s
Favorite Food—Lobster
Favorite Movie—How to Marry a Millionaire
Favorite Wine—Pinot Noir