Charles Eckstein, who worked with the Chicago District Golf Association for decades and had an encyclopedic knowledge of golf that was recognized nationally, died Thursday in his Ann Arbor home. A longtime resident of Hazel Crest, he was 92. From the moment he picked up a club as a teenager to play with his father, Mr. Eckstein was hooked on the game, friends and family said. During his 64 years at Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood, he set a course record when he shot a 67 in 1936, and won the club championship 13 times. He served as club president from 1949 through 1952. Twice after he turned 50, Mr. Eckstein scored holes-in-one, said his son, Peter. Mr. Eckstein devoted himself as a volunteer to a wide range of golf-related activities. He interpreted rules as an official at 17 U.S. Opens and 29 Western Open and Amateur championships. He also led the development of an areawide handicap system in the 1950s and helped establish a computerized handicapping system in the mid-1960s. In recognition of his service to the game, he won many awards, including the Joseph C. Dey Award from the U.S. Golf Association for meritorious service as a volunteer. Mr. Eckstein is also survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia; a sister, Dorothy Lamson; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. A memorial is planned for spring at Ravisloe Country Club.
