FOUNDER OF GOLFSTAT DIES AT 62

Mark Laesch

'He changed college golf': Golfstat founder Mark Laesch, 62, dies from ALS

By: Beth Ann Nichols

Mark Laesch, founder of Golfstat and friend to USA college golf, died March 4 in his home in Noblesville, Indiana after a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, an incurable disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He was 62.
Laesch founded Golfstat in 1984, and his programs essentially took the guesswork out of college golf. From live scoring to detailed statistics and rankings, Golfstat provided new methods for NCAA coaches and committees to advance the game.
"I think what he did simply was a labour of love for him," said Florida State men's coach Trey Jones. "He changed college golf."
Laesch is survived by his three children – Jordan, Brian and Kelsey – and fiance Jennifer Porter. His father, sister and uncle all died from ALS. Laesch's sister Diane was diagnosed last May and died four months later at age 70.
Laesch graduated from Indiana University where he was an all-Big Ten baseball player. After charting his own detailed statistics in baseball and golf, Laesch got the idea to sell the service to college teams. He charged his first client, Illinois State, 25 cents per round.
A recent visit with Laesch at his elegant brick home on the outskirts of Indianapolis revealed a man at peace with what was to come. Lasech credited a strong faith for keeping his sense of humour and perspective intact. He spoke often about the strong relationships he had developed in his 30-plus years in college golf.
"I wish I could go another 10 years," he said.