GOLF.com: The Turnesa Legacy — How a Sony Camcorder Carried America's Greatest Golf Dynasty Forward

America's Most Storied Golf Dynasty

The Turnesa family story began in 1908 when Italian immigrant Vitale Turnesa stumbled upon a golf course construction site in Elmsford, New York. Seven of his sons dedicated their lives to golf — five won professional events, two claimed major titles — establishing the Turnesas as arguably the greatest American golf family of the 20th century.

Mike Turnesa's Legacy: Teaching Through a Sony Camcorder

Marc Turnesa, the family's last heir and a PGA Tour winner, credits his late father Mike as the true architect of his golf career. Mike served as head pro at Rockville Links Club on Long Island for 36 years, pioneering video swing analysis with a Sony camcorder long before the practice became mainstream.

"He was obsessed," recalled longtime Links member Kevin Berry.

For Marc, the camcorder was more than a teaching tool — it was the symbol of his father's influence. "It wasn't my great uncles or my grandfather — it was my dad… and that freakin' Sony camcorder," he says.

PGA Tour Career Highlights

Marc won the 2008 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas, securing his place on Tour. In 2011, he qualified for the U.S. Open at Congressional — the family's 46th entry and third generation in the national championship.

A Final Gift: Augusta National

In December 2017, as Mike prepared to retire after 36 years at The Links, Marc arranged a pilgrimage to Augusta National (Augusta National). Given that Mike's grandfather had played in the inaugural Masters, the visit carried deep family significance. Father and son played the course together, lingering on the 18th green when it was over.

Mike died less than six months later, in May 2018, following a stroke suffered while mowing his lawn.

The Turnesa Name Fades

Marc has one child — a daughter — making him likely the last male heir of his branch of the Turnesa line. "The name is dying," he says. "Now it's just whatever's written, that's all that we have."

Strokeslab Editorial View

The Turnesa legacy is a reminder that golf greatness is built through daily repetition and quiet dedication — not overnight. Mike's morning text to Marc — "Everybody knows how good you are, you just need to believe it yourself" — is the kind of coaching that no launch monitor can replicate.