Cooper

Williamsburg native Terry Cooper may have spent most of his professional career based out of metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh and Boston, but since retiring in 2012 and relocating to State College, he has been extremely competitive in senior tournament play at nearby Toftrees Country Club.

Cooper, a 1968 graduate of Williamsburg High School, was a star athlete in football, basketball and baseball.

A particularly vivid memory of his playing days was a near miss in the state championship basketball game of 1968, where Williamsburg lost to Mount Penn, 62-61.

About that same time, Cooper became interested in golf and honed his skills by constructing a make-shift golf course along the neighboring properties of friends and family in Williamsburg.

To this day, Cooper is still appreciative of the junior membership his uncle bought for him at nearby Iron Masters Country Club. Long summer days were spent at the Morrisons Cove course with good friend Walt Frank while they learned the game.

After high school, Cooper studied engineering at Penn State University, where he also met his future, wife Sue.

During those college days, Cooper’s interest in golf grew even stronger. He competed regularly in Penn State’s all-university golf tournaments, finishing second on two occasions and often practiced with the university’s golf team.

After earning his degree in civil engineering, Cooper began a business career that flourished, eventually becoming an executive in the fire protection and insurance industries.

“I really enjoyed my career and was fortunate to travel around the world,” he said. “In fact, I’ve been able to golf in every continent on earth, with the exception of Antartica.”

When retirement was in sight for Cooper, there was little doubt where he and his wife would settle. Coming back to central Pennsylvania allowed the couple to enjoy all the activities associated with their alma mater, Penn State.

Being in State College, Cooper would also join Toftrees Country Club and soon became a force in the club’s many senior competitions. To date, Cooper has collected a total of eight senior championships, with this summer being particularly rewarding.

So far this year, Cooper has captured both the senior statesman trophy and the club’s prestigious Toftrees Cup, an event open to all members.

Now approaching his mid-70s, Cooper remains active and competitive in golf events across the area. He’s also a regular participant in statewide events held by the West Penn Golf Association and the Golf Association of Philadelphia.

“I love everything about the game of golf,” Cooper said. “I particularly enjoy the competition, being able to compete against myself, against other players and even against the golf course itself. It’s the best game in the world.”