University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Mort Kaufman 1954 - Golf
A captain of the golf team and a three-time letterwinner, Mort Kaufman, inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999, excelled on the links while at UVM and afterward.
The Vermont State Collegiate Champion one year, Kaufman went undefeated in individual golf matches over his career with the Catamounts. His coach, J. Edward Donnelly, remembered Kaufman well. "He was captain of the team, and has been very supportive of the university after his graduation," Donnelly said.
A native of Burlington, Kaufman had an impact on golf in the state before coming to UVM. He was a semifinalist in the Vermont State Amateur as a 16-year-old, and his energy and enthusiasm helped start the Burlington High School golf program, which in turn spawned other high school programs.
In January of 1951 Kaufman left UVM to serve with the 134th Fighter Interception Squadron in the Korean War. He returned to school after his tour of duty and finished his degree.
After UVM, Kaufman continued to play golf. He was medalist three times in the Vermont State Amateur Championship and he was a three-time club champion at the Burlington Country Club. Kaufman also has won close to 20 amateur tournaments since his UVM days. A host of numerous UVM alumni events over the years, Kaufman has remained an active and loyal supported of his alma mater. He served as chairman of his 40th reunion in 1994.
