May 19, 1938 – June 16, 2022

Donald C. Allen ’60 graduated from Colgate as one of the greatest golfers in Raiders’ history, finishing with a collegiate record of 57–4. For the Rochester native, it was only the beginning of a career on the putting green that would span five decades, ending with more than 80 tournament wins and 13 course records.

In 2015, the Democrat & Chronicle called him “one of the last truly great amateur golfers.” And he did it while becoming a successful, self-made businessman.

After earning a bachelor of arts degree in Russian studies, Allen sold insurance for Connecticut Mutual in downtown Rochester while continuing to hone his skills as a golfer. In 1961, he won the New York State Golf Association (NYSGA) Men’s Amateur Championship. He would win the tournament five more times throughout his career.

During the next six years, he represented the U.S. on two Walker Cup teams and played on two America’s Cup teams. He made three appearances at the Masters Tournament. The Masters invited him for a fourth outing, but he declined the offer because it conflicted with the birth of his first child, the Democrat & Chronicle later reported.

In 1964, he made the round of eight in the U.S. Amateur. He returned to the event the next two years, placing third in 1965 and sixth in 1966.

Allen was on an unbelievable run of competitive golf.

“It can be vociferously argued that this stretch of competitive amateur golf may well be the most dominant and impressive six- year stretch in the history of American golf and in the history of amateur golf,” said the NYSGA Hall of Fame.

Allen was self-taught, polishing his abilities by playing in local, district, and regional events. In describing Allen, the NYSGA Hall of Fame said, “Don Allen grew into adulthood and celebrity for his superior golfing ability a la Ben Hogan, without the benefit of professional instructors.”

While Allen was a fierce competitor on the course, he was also fair, honorable, and humble, according to his obituary.

In several interviews in 1967, he described himself merely as just a local insurance salesman. But by the late 1960s, Allen had launched his own agency. As owner and president of the Don Allen Agency, Inc., he managed the company for nearly five decades. He earned a reputation for his work ethic and an ability to help his employees succeed, according to his obituary.

Allen never went pro as a golfer, but he held his own playing alongside the best in the game. After winning the 1970 New York State Amateur golf championship, Allen said, “I’ve never been a great player. I’m not now, and I never will be,” according to the Democrat & Chronicle.

His success, however, told a different story. In 2000, the NYSGA recognized Allen as the New York State Golfer of the Century. He was inducted into the NYSGA Hall of Fame in 2012.

Allen died peacefully at home on June 16. He is survived by his wife, Boots Miller-Allen, his children, and grandchildren.