On Friday, November 18, 2005, the Florida State Golf Association inducted Don Bisplinghoff into its prestigious Hall of Fame as a part of the first five to receive such an honor. The ceremony was held at Palma Ceia Country Club in Tampa in conjunction with the Annual Dinner.
Don Bisplinghoff, an Orlando native, picked up the game at the early age of four by following his father around the course and holding the flagstick for him. By six, Don was playing everyday. He continued his love for the game by caddying at Orlando Country Club and competing in state and national championships. Don met his wife at the Western Amateur in 1955 where he was also the medalist, and then repeated the following year. He then returned to work and six months of active duty. In 1959, he turned professional and four years later started a land development business. Don is the 1955 North South Champion at Pinehurst and a 4-time Florida State Amateur Champion (1953, 1954, 1955, 1958).
Don, who now lives in Jacksonville, played for the University of Florida and captured the US Junior Championship in 1952. Don won the Florida Open three times as an amateur (1955, 1961, 1962). He reached the semifinals in the 1955 British Amateur, was the runner-up at the French Amateur in the same year, and played for the Walker Cup. He also qualified for the U.S. Open in 1951 and the Masters in 1956. He was the first ever golf professional at Apollo Beach Country Club.
