Steven "Scott" Pekovich

In Loving Memory of Scott Pekovich: A Revered Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Son, Friend and PGA Golf Pro.

My husband, Scott Pekovich, beloved PGA Golf Professional whose passion for the game inspired many, passed away on Feb. 15, 2024, after one helluva yearlong battle with appendix cancer, leaving behind a legacy of sportsmanship, dedication and kindness. He was 54.

Born April 19, 1969, Scott’s journey in the world of sports began at an early age. He was a natural and just good at everything! He proudly earned the title of National Racquetball Champion at 15 years old, was known as “3 Point Pek” on the basketball court at West High, and excelled as an all-state golfer his senior year. He went on to play basketball at Carroll College and then earned his business degree from the University of Montana. Fueled by an unwavering passion for golf, he completed the PGA Golf Management Program and became a PGA Member and Club Golf Pro and eventually earned his PGA Executive Management certification. Scott established the Yegan Kids Program, which he was very proud of. He connected with thousands of youth in the Billings area through the game of golf and this program. Everywhere we went, someone always recognized him as “teaching their kid to play to golf.”

Scott took on the role of Head Golf Pro at The Briarwood Golf Club more than a decade ago and more recently took on the role of PGA General Manager. Scott’s professional career was marked by numerous accomplishments and milestones. His skill on the green was matched only by his humility and sportsmanlike conduct, making him not just a formidable opponent but also a cherished colleague and friend.

He loved his club and was so proud of all of his accomplishments at Briarwood. But most of all, he cherished every single member, everyone he worked with and made so many great friends that meant the world to him! Even the handful of you that tell the dirtiest jokes and make us laugh until we cry … you know who you are! His boys!

Scott had an absolute blast on all of the golf trips with you guys to Vegas, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Big Sky, Europe and I’m probably forgetting to mention some others, because there were a lot of those trips and he loved every minute of it!

He told me not long ago how touched he was by how many people had reached out to him to show their support over the last year; it brought tears to his eyes to know how many of you cared so much! The support and help we’ve received from the Briarwood community, our neighbors and our friends has been truly remarkable! PEK STRONG!

Scott was a diehard Chicago Bears and UCLA fan. He even named his beloved companion and best friend (a German Shorthair Pointer) Bruin. A lot of you know her and she was by his side until the very end. She still looks for him every day.

He was silly and funny with his dry sense of humor and we had given him many nicknames in our house: most commonly Scoot, but also Scizzle, Daddy and Scooty Booty. Stud is how a lot of his buddies have referred to him in their posts and messages. It seems like everyone who had an experience with Scott has their own nickname for him and it’s truly a testament to how he made everyone feel seen and special.

His energy was so calming and nurturing. But every once in awhile he’d surprise you with something outrageous … he definitely had some fun times in the pool at our favorite resort in Cabo and was known as “Bud Light” by everyone on the resort because of his homemade muscle shirt with a Bud Light logo on the front. Definitely not “resort wear,” but he didn’t care. There were other stories too, but those are for another time!

Beyond his achievements on the course, Scott will be remembered for his warmth, wit and genuine care for others. He touched the lives of many with his infectious smile and compassionate spirit, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We’ve received so many messages of your memories of Scott and across the board:

“He was one of the good ones”

“He made an impact on everyone he met”

“He brought out the best in me”

“He got my husband hooked on tequila”

Scott is survived by his devoted wife Caree (Cay-Cay) and her children Parker and Addee; Scott’s children, Tierney, Tyson and his grandson Easton; his parents, Greg (Becky) and Pam; his brother, Mike and niece BrookLynn, nephews Deegan and Steele; stepsisters Stacey (Scott) and their children, Wendy (Tom) and their children, and loving uncles, aunts and cousins.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.

A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at The Briarwood Golf Club on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Time and details will be shared in the near future on social media. Please email your photos, memories and any questions regarding the celebration to Caree at pekstrongcelebration@gmail.com.

Though Scott may no longer walk the fairways beside us, his legacy will endure in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory continue to inspire us all to live with the same passion, integrity and kindness that defined his remarkable life.