Debbie Adams has had an illustrious career in golf and community service. Born in Philadelphia, her family moved to California when she was nine, returning to Abington for high school. At Abington High School, Debbie broke barriers by playing on the boys’ golf team, as there was no girls’ team at the time. She excelled, securing the #1 spot in her sophomore and junior years, and achieving a 3rd place finish at states as an individual in her senior year.
Debbie continued her golf career at The Ohio State University, where she was a standout player. She was a two-time 1st team All Big-Ten golfer in 1988 and 1989, won three individual college tournaments, and helped her team win the Big Ten conference championship. Her dedication and skill earned her four varsity letters during her college career.
Her accomplishments extend beyond college. Debbie won prestigious titles, including the North Carolina Amateur, The Carolinas Amateur, and the Florida Ladies Amateur golf championships twice. She has claimed 25 club championships at various esteemed clubs and secured seven Carolinas Golf Association mixed team championships. Additionally, she was a two-time quarterfinalist in the U.S. mid-amateur and played in four LPGA tournaments as an amateur, making the 36-hole cut in two of them.
Debbie’s passion for golf is matched by her commitment to community service. She has been a key volunteer and competitor for Maccabi USA, participating in multiple Maccabiah Games. Her impressive medal tally includes individual and team gold medals, team silver medals, and a bronze individual medal. Notably, she holds the individual scoring record for the World Maccabiah competition in the 1993 Games. Her legacy continues through her children, who also played in the Maccabiah Games, with one marrying a fellow golfer and giving her a beloved “Macca-baby.”
Debbie’s leadership extends into her community involvement. She has held multiple presidencies and board memberships, including the Western North Carolina Jewish Federation, the JCC of Western North Carolina, and Temple Beth Ha Tephila. She founded and ran the Hard Lox Café, a Jewish food and heritage festival in downtown Asheville, raising significant funds for the Jewish community of Western North Carolina. Her fundraising efforts have supported various projects, including the JCC construction project.
In the realm of sports administration, Debbie served as the Chair of Maccabi USA Golf from 2016-2017 and managed the Maccabi USA team for the 2017 World Maccabiah Games. She also chaired several Maccabi USA projects. As the golf coach at Carolina Day School from 2005-2016, she became the winningest coach in the school’s program history.
Debbie Adams’ remarkable achievements in golf and her dedicated service to her community make her a distinguished inductee into the Hall of Fame. Her legacy of excellence and leadership continues to inspire future generations.
