Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1989
- Class:
- 1978
Four-year letterman Joseph S. Iupe Jr. ranks among the most successful golfers in Mississippi State history. Throughout his time on the green, Iupe starred as the Bulldogs’ top golfer. He competed in every round of golf the squad played in from 1975 to 1978.
In 1977, Iupe captured his first individual title by winning the Mississippi Intercollegiate Championship. Following this victory, he went on to captain the Mississippi State squad for his final two years before serving as a graduate assistant coach for the 1978 and 1979 seasons.
Following the conclusion of his collegiate career, Iupe continued to be a dominant force in the Mississippi golf scene. A four-time Mississippi Open Champion, he amassed over 200 first place finishes in individual, team and 4-ball championships throughout his amateur career. Iupe held five course records and was recognized as the Mississippi Golfer of the Year on five occasions.
Iupe never turned professional due to a rare eye condition that impaired his vision. Despite his playing career being over, Iupe continued impacting the game as an administrator. In 1986, he helped organize and host the first MSGA event in Mississippi.
Today, Iupe is still recognized as an advocate for the game. Since 1982, he has been a member of the USGA Sectional Affairs committed. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2024 Iupe was welcomed into the Mississippi Golf Hall of Fame.
Iupe resides in Canton, Mississippi with his wife Sheri. The couple have three children: Rachel, Joseph and Andrew.
