Longtime PGA life member Ed Posh passed away peacefully late this past Wednesday night. Ed was a remarkable man who lived life with profound dedication, unwavering commitment, and boundless compassion. Ed Posh, a name synonymous with the Village Links of Glen Ellyn, leaves behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of time and touches the very heart of our golfing community.
Born in 1929, Ed's journey in the world of golf began as a young caddie at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It was there, amidst the emerald fairways and rolling greens, that he cultivated his passion for the game and honed the values of integrity, service, and kindness that would define his illustrious career
After serving his country with honor during the Korean War, Ed returned to civilian life with an unwavering determination to pursue his passion for golf. From his early days as a caddie master to his tenure as Golf Professional at various esteemed clubs, Ed's expertise and dedication were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In 1967, Ed embarked on a new chapter in his career when he became the first Head Golf Professional at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn. Over the years, he transformed this municipal golf course into a vibrant hub of camaraderie, competition, and community engagement, drawing golfers from all walks of life to share in the joy of the game and foster connections that extended far beyond the fairways. Through his tireless efforts, Ed created an inclusive environment where golfers of all levels could come together to share their love for the game.
But Ed's impact extended far beyond the manicured greens and pristine fairways. He was a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of light for countless aspiring golfers, guiding them with wisdom, patience, and encouragement. He knew everyone’s name and the names of everyone in their families. His innovative Junior Golf Program, launched in 1968, touched the lives of thousands of young players, instilling in them not just the skills of the game but also the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance.
Ed's generosity knew no bounds. Despite working without a sick day or vacations, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Village Links and its patrons. His boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine love for the game endeared him to all who crossed his path.
Ed Posh’s legacy will endure for generations to come. The Ed Posh Scholarship Fund, established in his honor upon his retirement in 1995, is a testament to his commitment to education and opportunity. Through this fund, Ed's spirit will continue to inspire and empower young minds to pursue their dreams, just as he pursued his own with unwavering determination and grace.
Visitation for Ed Posh will be on Monday, May 13 from 3:00pm until 9:00pm at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home at 430 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL.
There will be a reception at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn on Tuesday, May 14 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ed Posh Scholarship fund by visiting www.edposhscholarship.com or St. Jude’s Hospital, two of Ed’s favorite charities
Nicolas DiTirro
Grisel Gutierrez
Ella Larramore
Emily Puchalski
Since inception in 1995 and including 2024 the scholarship fund will have provided $1,240,000 to 118 scholars. Thanks to your generosity, there will be 16 scholars in school collectively receiving $80,000 in assistance.
Laurie Gustafson, chairman of the scholarship committee, announced the four new 2024 scholars, saying “Our committee feels so lucky to meet the quality of students applying for our scholarship. Beyond impressive grades, the students show a sincere interest in helping others, a real commitment to service, and a determination to make a difference in the world. We all feel optimism for the future with leaders like these. Our decision was very difficult, as we met many talented students, but it was a great opportunity for us to meet them all, and to reward the following four with Ed Posh Scholarships.”
2024 Scholars:
a senior from Glenbard North High School, will attend the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in their Honors Mechanical Engineering program with the hopes of becoming a Disney Imagineer or NASA Aerospace Engineer.
a senior from Glenbard West High School, will attend College of DuPage for two years, then transfer to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana to pursue Chemical Engineering.
a senior from Glenbard South High School, will attend Wheaton College to study to be a Child and Family Therapist.
a senior from Glenbard South High School, will attend Princeton University where she plans to major in Chemical and/or Biological Engineering.
The goal of the Fund is to make the Scholarship fund self-sustaining, in order to continue to grant scholarships honoring the lifetime contributions of Ed Posh, Head Pro Emeritus of the Village Links of Glen Ellyn. Ed’s untiring work over his career helped our area youth learn critical life skills and personal responsibility. The scholarship program honors his achievements by helping meritorious but financially disadvantaged area youths meet the challenge of increasingly costly higher education.
To help support this effort, go to the donation page of our website!
For the Ed Posh Scholarship Fund:
Craig Allen
President - Tel: 630‑772‑8231
Laurie Gustafson
Chairman of the Scholarship Committee - Tel: 630‑204‑7944
Fill out the Ed Posh Scholarship Application >