Michael Gooding, beloved son of Nancy and David Gooding, has passed into spirit. Greeting him on the Other Side were his brothers Rod and Clay, his dear friend, Pam, his Auntie Rozie, Uncle Josh, many other loving relatives, and dogs Foxy, Lucky and Gracie. In the living, he leaves his parents, sisters Leigh and Jenne, Auntie Mal, Uncle Thos, Uncle Dewey, Uncle Dick, lots of cousins, best friends Jay and Heather, and a legion of wonderful friends.

At Blair Academy, Michael was captain of the golf team, leading them to winning the prep school state championship. He attended Western Maryland College and graduated from the Golf Academy of America, Myrtle Beach campus.

Mike took his golf skills to sea, working as a teaching professional on cruise ships. Visiting Bermuda, Hawaii and many other island ports gave him the opportunity to play beautiful golf courses, which he loved. Several trips took him to Alaska. Yes, there is a golf course in Alaska! After leaving the cruise life, he was Director of Instruction for National Golf Schools and was twice named Teacher of the Year. He had the uncanny gift of being able to look at your game, tell you what was wrong, and show you how to fix it. He also worked for GOLF CENTRAL magazine, writing articles and acting as a presence at PGA shows and other events.

Michael had the good fortune to play Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and Sanctuary, attend the Masters, the Wells Fargo, the Valspar (where he caddied in Jerry Kelly’s group), and play/teach at many other spectacular golf venues.

At this time, the family is requesting privacy so, please, no phone calls or visits. Emails, cards and notes are gratefully accepted.

Michael loved his family, his friends, his dogs, golf and the great outdoors. If you would like to remember Michael, please donate to your local animal shelter, favorite charity, or at www.arborday.org, plant a tree in his name.