James Achenbach graduated from Taylorville High School in 1960 and lettered in Basketball and Golf.

Following graduation, Achenbach attended the University of Iowa where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree.  Following graduation, Achenbach started a career in sports journalism working at the Sarasota Times, covering Florida State Football and later at the Mesa Tribune in Arizona. He wrote about all aspects of the sporting world, but it was golf that became his passion. His first article was published in Golfweek magazine in 1975. 

In 1991, he began as a full time writer for Golfweek magazine, a position he held for 24 years.  During that period, he interviewed and wrote about all of the great golfers of the time, including Jack Nicolas, Tiger Woods, Byron Nelson and many others. He became a freelance contributor to many magazines and newspapers and covered the Masters Tournament for 40 consecutive years.  Augusta National Golf Club honored him with a personal parking space for the annual Masters.  They also awarded him with the Masters Major Achievement Award.   Former editor of Golfweek, Jeff Babineau said, “There was no one who ever covered this game more passionate about golf and more passionate about relaying his love of the game to readers. He took it personally.  Writing wasn’t work to James.  It was a calling.”

After his retirement, James Achenbach, loved to compete and write about The Society of Seniors golf organization, still contributing pieces to various publications and websites.   James Achenbach passed away April 15, 2022.