The golf community is in a state of profound shock and mourning following the tragic news of the deaths of former University of Oklahoma standout Brad Dalke and his wife, Abbie Ohanna Dalke. The couple passed away in a fatal car crash, confirmed by family and university officials on Tuesday. Their sudden and untimely deaths have cast a pall over the sport, where Dalke was remembered as both a fierce competitor and a beloved figure.
Brad Dalke, 26, was a central figure in one of college golf’s most memorable moments. As a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma in 2017, he secured the clinching point for the Sooners in their dramatic NCAA National Championship victory over Oregon. His towering drive and two-putt par on the 18th hole at Rich Harvest Farms sealed the title, etching his name into Oklahoma golf lore.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Brad and Abbie Dalke,” said OU head coach Ryan Hybl in an emotional statement. “Brad was the ultimate Sooner. His heart, his competitiveness, and his love for his teammates defined his time here. That clinching putt in 2017 was a moment of pure joy that we all shared with him, and it reflects the fighter he was. Our prayers are with their families during this unimaginable time.”
Dalke, a highly-touted junior golfer from Hobart, Oklahoma, was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of the 2017 U.S. Walker Cup team. After turning professional, he competed on various tours, most recently on the PGA Tour Americas. He was known for his powerful game and unwavering tenacity on the course.
Abbie Ohanna Dalke, also 26, was a former Oklahoma State University soccer player, creating a celebrated cross-rivalry union that was well-known and cherished in Oklahoma sports circles. The couple married in November 2022 in a beautiful ceremony in Dallas, surrounded by family and friends from their athletic communities. Described by friends as vibrant, kind, and deeply supportive, Abbie was a constant presence at Brad’s tournaments.
“Abbie was the light in every room,” said a close friend of the couple, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Their love for each other was so evident and so strong. They were just beginning their life together. This is a nightmare.”
Details surrounding the crash are still under investigation by local authorities. Preliminary reports indicate the single-vehicle accident occurred late Monday evening. No other individuals were involved.
The news has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media from fellow professionals, coaches, and fans.
“Absolutely heartbroken,” tweeted PGA Tour pro and former OU teammate Max McGreevy. “Brad was a brother and a warrior. Abbie was his perfect match. This doesn’t feel real. Praying for their families.”
Ricky Fowler, a close friend who knew Dalke from their junior golf days, posted a series of photos with the caption, “Lost for words. Devastated. Two amazing souls gone way too soon. We love you guys.”
The University of Oklahoma is planning a moment of silence at upcoming athletic events, and a memorial on the OU golf team’s social media pages has drawn thousands of tributes.
Brad Dalke is survived by his parents, Bill and Susan Dalke. Abbie Dalke is survived by her parents, David and Shannon Ohanna. The families have requested privacy as they navigate this profound loss and have indicated that information regarding memorial services will be shared at a later date.
The couple’s passing is a stark reminder of life’s fragility, cutting short two promising lives and a love story that inspired many, leaving the tight-knit world of golf to grapple with a heartbreaking void.
