Fellow golfers,

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Henry Kerfoot who, among his many accomplishments, established the Northern Virginia Amateur Championship in 1974 including donating the trophy that bears his name.

A message of his passing and his obituary is included below from his home club in Florida, Quail Ridge:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Quail Ridge member Henry Kerfoot on January 30, 2025. Henry and his wife Angela have been members of Quail Ridge for 25 years.

Henry is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Angela, and their three children: Margaret Kerfoot (Douglas McDonald), Kristen McCarthy (Kevin), and Henry Kerfoot, III (Mary). He also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren (Meagan Rifkin (Joel), AnneMarie McDonald, Duncan McDonald, Sarah Kerfoot, Andrew McDonald, Henry Kerfoot, IV, Kevin McCarthy, Jr, and Libby Kerfoot) and two great-grandchildren (Wesley Rifkin and Scottie Rifkin).

A lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, Henry spent his formative years in Arlington, VA. His love affair with golf began when his father joined Washington Golf & Country Club (WGCC) when he was 16 years old, setting the course for a lifetime dedicated to the game.

Henry’s competitive achievements were remarkable. His early successes included winning the Washington Metropolitan Schoolboy Championship in 1952. A proud member of the Wake Forest University golf team from 1952 to 1956, he played alongside the legendary Arnold Palmer and contributed to an ACC Championship victory in 1955.  Henry was in ROTC at Wake Forest and served after graduation at Fort Bliss, Texas where he and Angela went for their honeymoon. He played in the 1993 USGA Senior Open at Cherry Hills Golf Club, with his son Hank proudly caddying alongside him. He won the WGCC Club Championship five times over five different decades and the WGCC Senior Club Championship eight times. In later years, he accomplished the extraordinary feat of shooting his age more than 500 times, quipping that it became easier with each passing year. In recognition of his contributions and achievements, he was inducted into both the Arlington County and Washington & Lee High School Athletic Halls of Fame.

Beyond competition, Henry was a devoted steward of the game, generously giving his time to the sport he loved. At WGCC, he served on numerous committees, chaired the Greens Committee for a decade, and served as President in 1997. His leadership extended far beyond his home course, serving in the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA), Middle Atlantic Golf Association (MAGA), and the United States Golf Association (USGA) for over 25 years. He was a founding member and president of The First Tee of Washington, DC, and initiated the Northern Virginia Amateur Golf Tournament. Notably, he marked the dawn of the new millennium in fitting fashion—striking the first shot of the 21st century off the first tee at WGCC at exactly 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2000!

Henry spent his 40-year professional career as an insurance broker in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area where he closed more than one sale on the golf course.  He and Angela joined Quail Ridge in 2000 and Henry was an active golfer until 2024.  He was a member of the Golf Road Cup Team for several years, carded Holes in One in 2015 and 2017 and was a member of the Greens Committee. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the short game practice area. Henry enjoyed playing golf with the Has Beens and the Trunk Slammers, he was a regular in the Fitness Center and could be found playing bridge – where he joked that he was the young guy. As his ability to play golf waned in the last few years, Henry remained dedicated to the game, coordinating The Players Group matches at Quail until January 3, 2025. His presence, both on and off the course, was a testament to his lifelong commitment to golf and the values it instilled.

Yet, for all his golfing accolades, Henry’s greatest legacy was the love he shared with his family and friends. His 66-year marriage to Angela was his crowning achievement, alongside an adoring family and friendships too numerous to count. Ultimately, his warmth and great sense of humor made him a friend to all. As a founding member of The First Tee of Washington, DC, he embodied their core values —honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment—not just on the course but in everyday life. One of his greatest joys was passing these lessons on to his family, especially his four grandsons.

Henry was deeply loved by many, both within and beyond the Kerfoot family. His passing leaves an immeasurable void, but we take comfort in knowing he is at peace. Above all, Henry was a champion—not just in golf but in life. Though we will miss him dearly, the thought of him being bogey free from here on out should bring a smile to us all.

Donations may be made to the First Tee of Washington, First Tee Palm Beaches, or Wake Forest University. 

May he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.