Joe Malay: Hometown Hero, Idaho Hall of Famer and Friend Of Santa Claus On A Great Day With Hunter Mizar, Joe Malay shares his love of golf and community. Known across Idaho as Weiser’s goodwill ambassador, Malay’s name has become synonymous with the sport of golf. His decades of achievements on the course and his heart for his community have cemented his reputation as a true hometown hero. So, when the Idaho Golf Association announced its inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2024 honoring the state’s best amateur and professional golfers, it came as no surprise that Malay was among the honorees. “I am very humbled and honored about this, particularly being the inaugural one,” Malay said. With a career spanning more than 50 years, Malay’s list of accolades is long and distinguished. Highlights include winning the 1986 Men’s Amateur Championship and claiming the Men’s Four-Ball Championship title seven times between 1986 and 2011. He represented Team Idaho in 50 cup events and competed in four Pacific Coast Amateurs. Off the course, he co-founded the Idaho Junior Golf Foundation, nurturing the next generation of players. But Malay’s impact goes far beyond scorecards and trophies. Proud to hail from his hometown on the Oregon border, Malay introduces himself simply as, “Joe Malay from Weiser, Idaho.” Holding the course record at Rolling Hills Golf Course for more than 40 years, winning the club championship 41 times. His journey started after graduating from Weiser High School in 1967. He spent a year playing golf at Kansas City Community College before being drafted in the Marine Corps in 1968. After serving honorably, he returned home to Weiser, where he began building a life around golf and community service. In the offseason, Malay’s focus shifts from golf greens to Christmas cheer. For nearly 50 years, Malay has been a close friend to Santa Claus, helping coordinate visits and leading Weiser’s Christmas Night Light Parade. Through his efforts with Santa’s Ho-Ho Express, Malay has helped raise more than $250,000 for youth in the area. From his brightly patterned wardrobe to his tireless devotion to both golf and giving back, Joe Malay embodies the spirit of Idaho. Whether he’s on the fairway or organizing holiday magic, Malay continues to inspire, one swing—and one act of kindness—at a time.
Joe Malay: Hometown Hero, Idaho Hall of Famer and Friend Of Santa Claus
