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The father of a PGA golfer has gone missing. Willard Hurley hasn’t been seen since July 19. Despite this, his son, Billy Hurley III, will play in the Tiger Woods hosted Quicken Loans National on July 30 to bring attention to the case.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Willard Hurley Took ‘Some Clothes’ & ‘Some Cash’ Before Vanishing
In an emotional press conference Billy Hurley III announced “I will play. Maybe my father will see it and come home.” The tour pro added that his dad disappeared on July 19 but he only learned about it on July 27. Willard Hurley has no history of mental illness. Billy Hurley III said that a police report has been filed in Leesburg with his father apparently taking money and clothing with him when he vanished. Hurley III told the media:
Last Sunday, nine days ago, my dad took some clothes, he took some cash, he got in his truck and drove away and no one has heard from him since. So he’s been gone about nine days, I guess. No one really knows why. It’s complete speculation as to why he left.
He’s been married to my mom for 30-plus years. You know, they still live in the house that I grew up in in Leesburg and I’m just hoping that there’s a story that maybe he goes to pgatour.com to check my tee time or check my score and sees this and understands that dad, we love you and we want you to come home.
2. The Quicken Loans National Is a Hometown Tournament for Billy Hurley III
According to a Golf Week profile on his son, Willard Hurley and his wife, Cheryl, have four children, Billy Hurley III being the oldest. The family live in Leesburg, Virginia. The Quicken Loans National will take place in close-by Gainesville at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
3. His 39th Wedding Anniversary Is Next Month
According to his Facebook page, Willard Hurley goes by Bill. He’s a native of Fairfax, Virginia, and has been married since 1976. On their wedding anniversary in 2012, Cheryl Hurley wrote on Facebook:
36 years ago today a young boy and a very young girl said “I Do”. Anyone who knows our story knows that it is only by the grace and mercies of the Lord that that same young boy, albeit a tad older, and that very young girl, also a tad older but still young, can say “Happy Anniversary to US”. May God grant us 36 more!!!!!
4. He Was a Cop for 25 Years
WTOP reports that Willard Hurley had been a cop in Leesburg for over 25 years. He and his wife are active in the Reston Bible Church in Sterling, Virginia.
5. Billy Hurley III Is a Navy Veteran
Hurley III in action on July 3 at the Greenbrier Class. (Getty)
Billy Hurley III has been profiled by local media in Virginia and Maryland in the lead up to the Quicken Loans National. Speaking to The Norris & Davis Show, prior to learning of his father’s disappearance, he said “It’s one of the premier events on tour, and it’s the top . . . as far as honoring and taking care of our military. It’s really special for me.” The golf pro is a graduate of the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
