Portage Country Club, Photo by Gary Kellner

Matt Creech is a 20-year PGA Professional with an extensive background in both teaching and golf facility management. A certified PGA Professional in Golf Operations & General Management, Matt has been recognized with multiple honors in the Northern Ohio PGA Section, including the President’s Award and the prestigious 2016 Northern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year.
From 2005–2020, Matt was the Head Professional at Sand Ridge Golf Club before serving as the PGA General Manager at Mayfield Country Club and Sand Ridge Golf Club. In 2022, he expanded his impact on the game by purchasing The Golf Dome and the surrounding property, furthering his commitment to player development and community engagement.
As an instructor, Matt has given over 10,000 lessons, helping golfers of all levels—from beginners to collegiate athletes and professionals—achieve their goals. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Best Teachers in Ohio, he emphasizes “Complete Player Development,” addressing every facet of the game: full swing, short game, putting, mental approach, and physical fitness. He believes practice facilities should be maintained to tour standards and that strong teaching programs are the backbone of successful golf operations.
Matt’s approach to both teaching and management is simple, efficient, and highly effective, making him a leader in advancing the game of golf across Northern Ohio and beyond.

Steve is a native of Akron, OH. He was the 1985 Ohio Junior Champion and went on to attend Kent State University, where he played on the Men’s Golf Team, was a 2-time All-MAC Selection, and graduated with a degree in Finance. He earned his Class A PGA Membership in 1996. He has served on both the Northern Ohio and Western New York PGA Board of Directors and was twice elected Secretary of the NOPGA. Steve is married to Diane, they have 3 children, Cole (Lindsay), Cory, and Chase. Diane’s father was the late Herman Keiser, PGA. Herman was the 1946 Master’s Champion who served as an Assistant Golf Professional at Portage CC for Al Espinosa. Herman is a Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame Member and still holds the course record of 60 at Portage CC.
Work Experience
• Currently serving as the Teaching Professional/PGA Coach at Portage CC
• Previous experience includes:
Director of Golf Operations – Portage Country Club
Head Golf Professional – Firestone Country Club
Head Golf Professional – Wanakah Country Club
Director of Instruction – Firestone Country Club
Executive Director – The First Tee of Akron
Section and National Governance
• PGA District 5 Director (2022-present)
Budget, Tournament, Properties Committees
• Northern Ohio PGA President (2020-2021)
• Northern Ohio PGA Vice-President (2018-2019)
• Northern Ohio PGA Secretary (2016-2017)
• Northern Ohio PGA Secretary (2011)
• Northern Ohio PGA Board Member (2006-2011)
PGA Awards
• 2011 Northern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year
• 2010 Northern Ohio Horton Smith Award Winner
• 2009 Northern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year
Tournaments
• 2022 Toledo Senior Open Champion
• 2017 Denny Shute Senior Match Play Champion
• 1996 Northern Ohio PGA Assistant’s Champion
• 5-time PGA Professional Championship Qualifier
• 2-time PGA Senior Professional Championship Qualifier

Ron DeJacimo, PGA, was elected Secretary of the Northern Ohio PGA in 2013 and went on to serve as NOPGA President in 2018 and 2019.
Introduced to the game at age 10, Ron developed a lifelong passion for golf that led him into a career as both a player and PGA Professional. Along the way, he has worked with and learned from outstanding PGA leaders who shaped his personal and professional growth.
Ron has served the Section in many capacities, including Board Representative to Assistants/Apprentices, Tournament Committee member, and Chairperson for the Punta Cana Pro-Am. Known for his progressive ideas and dedication to elevating programs, he is committed to giving back to the PGA community and carrying forward the tradition of excellence within the Northern Ohio PGA.

Scott Sundstrom is an experienced golf professional with a strong track record in leadership and coaching. He served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA (NOPGA) from 2016 to 2017, and previously held roles as Vice-President (2014-2015), Secretary (2012-2013), and Board Member (2009-2011). Sundstrom’s contributions to the golf community have been recognized with several awards, including 2019 NOPGA Golf Professional of the Year, the 2011 and 2016 Bill Strausbaugh Award, and the 2012 NOPGA Horton Smith Award. He has also attended the PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit on multiple occasions between 2000 and 2008 to continue his professional development. As Head Golf Professional at Youngstown Country Club since 2001, Sundstrom has made a lasting impact on his club and the local golf community. He has also worked at Wanango Country Club, Jonathan’s Landing, and Oakmont Country Club earlier in his career. Sundstrom is actively involved in the Mahoning County First Tee program and regularly participates in NOPGA meetings and the PGA Merchandise Show. Through his leadership, teaching, and ongoing commitment to golf, Scott Sundstrom has helped shape the growth and development of the game in Northern Ohio.

Scott Pollack, PGA, is a lifelong Clevelander with more than 30 years of experience in both the game and business of golf. He began his career as Head Golf Professional at Grantwood Golf Course before moving into the business side of the industry as a Sales Associate with Callaway Golf.
In 2019, Scott joined the 1899 team as Managing Partner of the Twinsburg location, where he helps guide and execute the company’s vision. In addition to leading one of the region’s premier indoor golf destinations, Scott continues to teach the game, sharing his knowledge and passion with players of all levels.
Known for his competitive drive, strong presentation skills, and ability to connect with both players and business leaders, Scott combines his teaching expertise with proven leadership in golf operations and customer experience.

Mike joined Chagrin Valley Country Club in 1991 as an Assistant Golf Professional under longtime mentor and Pro Emeritus, Jim Chapman. Just three years later, upon Chapman’s retirement, Mike was named Head Golf Professional — a role he has proudly held ever since.
An accomplished player, Mike has won more than 20 Northern Ohio PGA events, represented the Section on five Ohio Cup Teams, qualified for six Club Professional National Championships, and still holds the Chagrin Valley course record with a 61.
Mike’s leadership within the NOPGA is equally distinguished. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2001, was Tournament Director from 2001–2007, Secretary from 2008–2009, Vice President from 2010–2011, and President from 2012–2013. He continued serving the Section as Honorary President through 2015. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including NOPGA Merchandiser of the Year (2001, 2006), the 2010 Bill Strausbaugh Award for mentoring, the 2011 President’s Plaque, and the Section’s highest honor — NOPGA Golf Professional of the Year — in both 2009 and 2013.
Mentorship remains one of Mike’s greatest passions. Over the years, he has guided countless Assistant Professionals, with six now serving as Head Professionals at clubs across the country.

Chad was born in Cherry Point, North Carolina. H attended Springfield Shawnee High School. After graduation, he attended Wittenburg University. While a Member of the Northern Ohio PGA, he served as Northern Ohio PGA Apprentice Committee Chairman from 2001-2005, Northern Ohio PGA Secretary from 2006-2007, Vice President from 2008-2009, President from 2010-2011, and currently is Honorary President, He is also currently the Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Committee Chairman, and is the current PGA of America Incoming District 5 Director. His awards include: Northern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2005 and 2012, Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year in 2001 and 2004, Northern Ohio PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Winner in 2006, and the Northern Ohio PGA Horton Smith Award Winner in 2007. His National accomplishments include: Host of the Westfield Junior PGA National Championship from 2001-2007. He and Westfield hosted the Junior Ryder Cup in 2004. He and his wife Mindy have two children, Jennifer and Kyle; amd one grandchild Henry.

Judd Stephenson is a distinguished golf professional with a prominent career in leadership and player development. He served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA (NOPGA) from 2008 to 2009, following roles as Vice President (2006-2007), Secretary (2004-2005), and Board Member (2002-2003). He also chaired the NOPGA Communications Committee from 1999 to 2001.
Stephenson has made a significant impact on junior golf, particularly through his role as Executive Director of the Ohio Girls Golf Foundation from 1999 to 2020. He has been recognized with multiple NOPGA honors, including Golf Professional of the Year (2011), the Youth Player Development Award (2012), and the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2004 and 2008.
A lifelong learner, Stephenson has attended over 150 PGA seminars and holds several certifications, including PGA Certified Professional, PGA Coach, Trackman, and Flightscope. He has also served on the PGA of America National Education Committee and the National Junior Golf Committee.

Bill Reilly is a highly respected golf professional and coach based in Northern Ohio, with a career spanning teaching, golf course management, and leadership in the Northern Ohio PGA. He has been recognized for his expertise in custom fitting and golf technology, serving as a TaylorMade Golf Tech Rep and earning Class A Membership in 1992. Reilly has held professional roles at several top golf courses, including Aurora Country Club, Rosemont Country Club, Glenmoor Country Club, and others. He also worked as a Teaching Professional at Fox Den Golf Club. As a coach, Reilly is best known for leading the Walsh Jesuit High School men’s and women’s golf teams, guiding the women’s team to a State Championship in 2007 and a Runner-Up finish in 2008. He was named Northern Ohio High School Golf Coach of the Year in 2007. Reilly was deeply involved in the Northern Ohio PGA, serving as President (2005-2007), Vice President (2003-2005), and a Board Member from 1995 to 2004. He was honored as the Northern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2002 and 2008 and received the Horton Smith Award in 1999. A competitive player as well, Reilly was a 7-time US Open Sectional Qualifier and won the Northern Ohio PGA Section Stroke Play Championship in 2001. Throughout his career, Reilly has been dedicated to growing the game of golf, mentoring young players, and contributing to the professional community in Northern Ohio.

Charlie has been a PGA Member since 1975. He was a Northern Ohio PGA Board Member from 1978 to 1986. He then was elected Northern Ohio PGA Secretary in 2000 and has served on the Northern Ohio PGA Board to present. He is currently Northern Ohio PGA Honorary President. He has served on several Northern Ohio PGA Committees including: Ethics, Club Relations, Long Range Planning and Hall of Fame. He has been honored by his peers as Northern Ohio PGA Professional of the Year three times, 1988,2004, and 2006. He was the Assistant Professional at Brookside Country Club in Canton, Ohio from 1972 to 1976. He was then named the Head Golf Professional at Mayfield Country Club in 1977. He is currently the Director of Golf, The Mayfield Sand Ridge Club. His playing accomplishments include: High School All Conference and All State Selection, 1973 NOPGA Assistants’ Champion, Mitchell Haskell Trophy Winner, 1981 Pete Dye Cup Winner, 2003 Senior Match Play Champion, 2004 Senior Section CPC Champion, 2006 Ohio Senior Open Runner-Up, Six PGA Club Professional Championships, and three Senior PGA Club Professional Championships. Charlie was the founder and is a current trustee of the Mayfield Country Club Caddie Scholarship Foundation. He was also the Co-Founder and is a current Committee Member of the Ronald McDonald House Pro-Am.

Joe started in his lifetime of golf as a caddy at Twin Lakes Country Club in Kent, Ohio under Howard Morette. He attended Roosevelt High School and was a member of the golf team. He then attended Akron Barber College, cut hair for a short period of time until he was drafted into the army in late 1966. Joe is a Vietnam War Veteran (1968 – 1969). Joe began his professional golfing career in 1974 by working for Denny Shute at Portage Country Club in the summer, and Jack Grout at La Gorce Country Club in the winter. He then worked at Ohio Prestwick Country Club until he leased Barberton Brookside Country Club with the option to buy. Joe purchased the club in 1984 and still owns it at present. Joe has served on numerous Northern Ohio PGA Committees and the Board of Directors. He was elected President from 2001 – 2003. He was voted PGA Professional of the Year in 2002. He won the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2005. Joe was elected to the National Board of Directors as District 5 Director from 2004-2007. Big supporters of Joe are his mother Verna and sister Maryanna Dannemiller and her husband Henry. Joe is very proud father of daugher Jocelyn and father-in-law of her husband Mike Chiurco.

Paul started his lifetime of golf as a caddy at age 11 at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club. At Brecksville High School, Paul was the captain of the golf team and co captain of the football team. After college at Kent State, he turned professional and became an assistant at The Country Club, then Chagrin Valley, and finally Tanglewood Country Club. His first head professional position took him to Conneaut Country Club where he oversaw all the club’s operations and construction of the back nine. Paul was elected to Class A PGA Membership in 1974. In 1975, Paul had the opportunity to lease Astorhurst Country Club in Walton Hills where he turned a very rough golf course into a highly successful and profitable facility. While at Astorhurst, Paul won the 1989 National PGA Merchandiser of the Year and hosted the opening event of the NOPGA tournament schedule and the PGA Tour’s nationwide Cleveland Open Monday qualifying tournament. In 1997, Paul became a golf course owner by purchasing Pleasant View Golf Club, which was later renamed Wicked Woods. Over the four years of ownership, Paul oversaw the major improvemets to the club including the installation of cart paths, an irrigation system, and new green constructions. After selling the club, Paul took a role as a golf instructor at Troy Hill Golf Center. Paul has been an active member of the Northern Ohio PGA Section. He has played in many of the Monday tournament series and has taken any active role in the leadership of the Section. Paul’s roles in the NOPGA included: 1996-97 Section Secretary; 1998-99 Section Vice President; and 2000-01 Section President. And in 2001, the Northern Ohio PGA Section named him the Golf Professional of the Year. Paul was also a member of the National PGA Public Relations and Communications Committee and a member of the National PGA Quarter Century Club. Paul was also the role model to his son Mike, who became a NOPGA PGA member. Paul and his wife Donna are proud parents of not only their son Mike, but also their daughter Lisa.

Joe Haase was born on July 26, 1951. At the age of 14, while a sophomore at Wickliffe High School in 1966, he established the course record of 64 at Green Ridge Golf Course. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in communications, he became the Head Golf Professional at Pine Ridge Country Club in Wickliffe. He became a member of the PGA of America in 1978. During the scond half of the 1980s, when he was the Head Golf Professional at Brookfield Country Club in New York, he received the Horton Smith Award for Education from the Western New York PGA Section. In 1990 he returned to Ohio to become the Head Golf Professional at Shaker Heights Country Club and remained there until he passed away from a long and courageous battle with cancer in 2001. In 1995 Joe submitted a thesis on teaching youngsters with attention and disorders how to play golf. This thesis earned him the designation of PGA Master Professional only obtained by 1 percent of all PGA Members. Joe was honored as the Northern Ohio PGA Professional of the Year in 1996 and 2000. He received the Northern Ohio PGA Horton Smith Award in 1994. And he was named the Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year in 1993. Joe was married to his wife Terri for 28 years and is also survived by two children; Elissa and Andrew.

Don Kotnik, a native of Barberton, attended the Univeristy of Toledo on a football and golf scholarship from 1962 to 1966. He would later become the University of Toledo’s golf coach from 1974-1991, and was inducted into the University of Toledo Varsity T Hall of Fame in 1994. After two years as an assistant at Toledo Country Club, he was named Head Professional at Highland Meadows in December of 1971. In November of 1972 he returned to Toledo Country Club as a Head Professional. In 1973 he co-founded one of the nations’s most successful junior programs, the Toledo Junior Golf Association. In 1981 he would become the first recipient of the Toledo District Golf Association Burt Silverman Award. From 1978 to 1986 he would receive six Northern Ohio PGA Horton Smith Awards for excellence in teaching – a PGA record. In 1986 he was named PGA Representative to the Caribbean Islands. Kotnik has given over 80 teaching seminars throughout the USA and Caribbean Islands. He appeared on the Golf Channel’s PGA Academy Live and was instructor at the 1990 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit in Nashville, Tennesse. In 1993 he was named Director of Instructional Schools for the Tommy Armour Golf Company. In 1991 he was named Golf Professional of the Year by the Nothern Ohio PGA and Golf Industry Magazine – Midwest Region. He was again named Golf Professional of the Year USA – the PGA’s highest honor. Om 1996 he was named to a very select group of athletes and coaches in the 50-yar history of the Mid-American conference. In 1997 he was the recipient of the PGA America’s Bob McNally Award. He is a member of six different Halls of Fame. In 1998, Toledo Country Club and friends endowed a $150,000 scholarship in his name for the mens golf program at the University of Toledo.

Davey Snyder served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section in 1994 and 1995, providing leadership and guidance to the Section during his tenure. His service exemplifies the longstanding tradition of dedicated PGA Professionals who have helped shape the growth and success of the Northern Ohio PGA.

Jim Richardson was a dedicated PGA Professional whose career in golf spanned more than 50 years. A respected leader in the Northern Ohio Section, he served as NOPGA President from 1990 to 1993, guiding the Section through four terms of strong leadership and growth.
Throughout his career, Jim was known for his passion for the game, his service to fellow PGA Members, and his commitment to advancing golf in Northern Ohio. His decades of dedication left a lasting impact on both the Section and the many players and professionals he influenced along the way.

Elected to PGA Membership in 1996, Rich has been the head professional at Elyria Country Club since 1970. He played on the PGA Tour in 1964 and ha sbeen very active in local Section acitivities over many years. Rich was NOPGA President in 1989 and also received he Section Professional of th eYear Award the same year. He served on the NOPGA Board and Tournament Committee. In addition to his Section involvement, Rich has community ties as well. He is the coordinator of a local church youth group, coached high school at Open Door School and has helped with teaching and coaching the Cleveland Society for the Blind Golf Program. Rich ad his wife, Lucy, have two children, Todd and Courtney.

Craig was born in Massillon. He attended Washington High School. He earned a BA Degree in Business from Baldwin Wallace College. He was a two-time NCAA Collegiate Division III Golf All-American Team Member while there. He was the first golfer inducted into the Baldwin Wallace College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. He began his professional golfing career as a Teaching Professional at Canterbury Golf Club in 1977. He then became the Golf Professional /Director of Golf at Quail Hollow Resort where he was the first Golf Professional/Director of Golf at Quail Hollow Resort where he was the first Golf Professional at the 18 hole resort. He hosted and was the general Chairman of the Ohio Open in 1985 while still at Quail Hollow Resort. Craig then became the Golf Professional at Westwood Country Club in 1986 and was there until 1994 when he became Founder/Partner/Director of Club Operations at StoneWater Golf Club. In 2000, he became the Regional Manager/ Mid-Atlantic for GolfMatrix Golf Management Company. He was responsible for the operations of five upscale public courses in Virginia and Maryland. In 2002, Craig became the Director of Golf at the Legends of Massillon. He then went on to become the Director of Operations, Ohio/Western PA for Tee Times Golf Pass. His playing accomplishments include earning Northern Ohio PGA Player of the Year honors in 1985 and 1987. He qualified to compete in 13 PGA National Club Pro Championships. He has won 18 NOPGA events over his career. He was the Akron Open Champion in 1988. He served the Northern Ohio PGA from 1980-1987 in such capacities as the Handicap Chairman, Tournament Chairman, Member of the Board of Directors, Treasurer, Secretary, and finally President from 1987 to 1988. He was a member of the PGA National Rules Committee from 1986-1990. He served on the Rules Committee for events such as two PGA Championships (1986 & 1990), two Ryder Cup Matches including final rounds singles match between Curtis Strange and Seve Ballesteros, and the PGA National Club Pro Championship (1988). Craig and his wife Sue have two children, Jon and Jennifer.

Greg Moore served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section from 1985 to 1986, providing leadership and guidance during that time. His contributions to the Section reflect the ongoing tradition of strong volunteer leadership that helps shape the organization’s mission and impact.

Known as the “Rules Guru,” Joe Nageotte has for many uears been an expert on the rules of golf. Elected to PGA membership in 1954, Joe coordinated and conducted the first Advanced Rules Workshop conducted by the PGA and the USGA. He received the Section Horton Smith Award for education in 1981, 1989, 1991, and 1997. He is certified in rules by the USGA and the PGA and is a certified Playing Ability Test examiner. Joe was the Section President in 1983 and 1984. He was the head professional at Plum Brook Country Club from 1958 until 1983 and ha sbeen the NOPGA Tournament Director since 1988. Joe and is wife, Mary, have seven children.

Leo Zampedro was a respected PGA professional and golf instructor from Warren, Ohio, whose career spanned over 40 years in the Northern Ohio PGA Section. The youngest son of Italian immigrants, he rose to prominence early, finishing 24th in the 1958 International Jaycee Junior Golf Tournament out of 35,000 entrants.
A skilled amateur, he was runner-up in the 1965 U.S. Amateur Public Links and won the Ohio Public Links Championship in 1967. After a tournament win in 1969, he became the head pro at Ridgewood Golf Course, later holding the same role at Hawthorne Valley Country Club until 1995.
Leo then fulfilled a dream by opening Troy Hill Golf Center, where he taught until his passing in 2007. Renowned as a teacher, he was named NOPGA Teacher of the Year three times and was consistently recognized by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine among the top instructors in Ohio and the U.S.
Also a former U.S. Air Force and Warren firefighter, Leo was inducted into the Parma, NOPGA, and Warren Sports Halls of Fame. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he influenced through golf.

Mike was born in Ashtabula, Ohio. He attended St. John’s High School. He started his golf career in 1961 at Geneva On the Lakes Golf Course in Geneva, Ohio working for Harry Orsuto. In 1963 Mike began working at Chagrin Valley Country Club for Jim Chapman. In 1969 he became the Head Golf Professional at Tanglewood Country Club where he hosted such major events as the PGA Cleveland Open in 1981. He spent 17 years at Tanglewood. In 1986 he moved to Indiana to be the Head Golf Professional at Evansville (Division I) Women’s Varsity Golf Coach from 1988 -1991. He is currently the Teaching Professional at Addison Country Club in Delray Beach, Florida. While a Member of the Northern Ohio PGA he served as Tournament Committee Chairman form 1974-1977; Secretary/Treasurer from 1978-1980; President from 1981-1982. In 1984 he was hornored as the Northern Ohio PGA Professional of the Year. His playing accomplishments include winning several Northern Ohio PGA Section events; Tri-State PGA Plauer of the Year in 2002; 1st Place in the PGA Quarter Century Tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Mike has three children, Debbie, Mick and Jody.

A golf professional for more than 24 years, Jim’s playing career spans nearly 30 major competitions. Victories include the 1980 Ohio Open; Ohio Senior Opens in 1993, 1994, and 1995; and the Global Senior Series Tournament in 1994. Jim was named NOPGA Player of the Year for 1982 and 1984, as well as NOPGA Senior Player of the Year, 1993 and 1994. Jim’s numerous honors include induction into the Wittenburg University Athletic Hall of honor, NOPGA Teacher of Year 1988; NOPGA Merchandiser of the Year 1979, 1989 and 1994; NOPGA Golf Professional of the Year 1981, 1987, and 1995; and Cleveland Sports Media Golfer of the Year 1982 and 1984. Jim has held various NOPGA offices during the past 23 years including Employment Committee Chairman (1974 and 1975), Secretary (1975 and 1976), President (1977 to 1979) and Honorary President (1980 and 1981). Jim also served on the Ohio Open Committee for 17 years, six as chairman.

Elected to PGA Membership in 1956, Bill Cox has been the head golf professional at Youngstown Country Club since 1963. Bill served as the Northern Ohio PGA President in 1976 and 1977 and was a District Director of the PGA of America from 1978 through 1980. bill received the NOPGA Horton Smith Award in 1987 and received the Section Professional of the Year in 1977. He served on the PGA of America Rules Committee for six years and was a rules instructor for several PGA rules workshops over the years. Bill and his wife, Patricia, have four children.

Jim Chapman was born in Aybshire, Scotland on February 16,1938. He turned professional at the age of 15. Heserved as Assistant Professional at West Killbride Golf Club in Scotland from 1954 to 1956. In 1957 he was drafted into the Royal Air Force and spent two years in Germany with an Intelligence unit. Jim was First Assistant Professional at Gleneagles Hotel Golf Course in Perthshire, Scotland from 1959 to 1961. He worked under the late Jack McLean. He came to the United States in 1962 as the First Assistant to Warren Orlick at Tam O’Shanter Country Club in Orchard Lake, Michigan. In 1965 he became the Head Golf Professional at Chagrin Valley Country Club where he worked until 1995. He is currently the Pro-Emeritus there. Jim was the President of the Northern Ohio PGA from 1974 until 1976. In 1975 he was voted Northern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Jim and his wife Sharon have two children and He is a Life Member of the PGA of America.

Highlights of George Bellino’s professional career include turns as Section Champion in 1969 and 1988 and first place at the Ohio Senior Open in 1987. Also in 1987, George topped the field at the PGA Senior Club Pro Series Tournament #1. He was named Northern Ohio PGA Senior Player of the Year in 1985, 1986, and 1987. George was NOPGA President in 1972 and 1973 and from 1987 through 1996, George has served as the NOPGA Seniors Chariman. George has been Head Professional at Tippecanoe for 23 years.

Duff Lawrence was born in Waterloo, Iowa in 1937. He moved to Phoneix, Arizona in his teenage years. His playing skills were evident early as he became Arizona State High School Champion in 1954 and 1955. He was the first to receive an athletic scholarship for golf at Arizona State University in 1955. In 1957 he became the first All-American at ASU. Duff was awarded “Athlete of the Year” in 1959. He graduated that year, receiving a B.S. in Business Administration. Duff served in the United States Army from 1960 through 1962. He was able to continue playing golf, however, as a member of the All-Army Golf Team in 1960 and 1961. In 1963 he was the Iowa State Masters Champion. It was in 1965 that Duff decided to become a club professional. His first position was at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio as an assistant. In 1967 he became a member of the PGA of America. Duff Lawrence has been a golf professional for 40 years. He was Head Golf Professional at Canterbury Golf Club in Cleveland, Ohio form 1969-1983. He was an officer of the Northern Ohio PGA in 1972 and 1973. He has served on the National PGA Rules Committee from 1974 through 1982. He was honored by the PGA of America as “Merchandiser of the Year” while at Canterbury Golf Club.

R. Lagoy served with distinction as President of the Northern Ohio PGA from 1965 to 1966. Though the details of his broader career remain beyond the reach of currently available records, his leadership tenure contributes to the enduring legacy of strong governance and professional dedication within the Section.

T. Card served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section from 1959 to 1961, providing leadership and guidance to the Section during his tenure. His service reflects the strong tradition of dedicated professionals who have shaped the history and growth of the NOPGA.

Born in Monifeth, Scotland, Marty Cromb was a force in the Ohio golf scene for decades before his death in 1985. At various times, he served as assistant to David Livie at Shaker Heights Country Club and Reg Myles at the Country Club of Cleveland. Marty acted as President of the Toledo Chapter PGA for 12 years and President of the Ohio PGA in 1942. He was National President PGA Seniors in 1955. Accolades include election to the Greater Toledo Hall of Fame in 1961 and being named Professional Emeritus of the Toledo Country Club in 1967. During World War II, Marty was instrumental in the local and state PGA’s support of the war effort. From 1940 to 1945, a percentage of all entry fees was donated to the American Red Cross. An esteemed teacher, Marty’s student Frank Stranahan would win two British Amateur Championships. As a player Marty won numerous Pro-Am titles. As a professional, he was revered thorugh many letters of respect from Joe Dey Jr, Byron Nelson, Frank Stranahan, Herb Graffis, Harold Sargeant, Harry Moffitt, Fred McLeod, Willie Hunter, Leo Fraser, Max Elbin and former Toledo Country Club President William Draper. Colleagues and students pay tribute to Marty’s outstanding career and service to fellow professionals and the PGA of America.

Denny Shute (1904–1979) was a prominent American golfer from Cleveland, Ohio, known for his versatility and success in both domestic and international competitions. He was a four-time winner of the Ohio Open (1929, 1930, 1931, 1950) and had a distinguished career as a touring professional and club pro.
Shute worked at several prestigious golf clubs, including York Temple Country Club and Brookside Country Club in Columbus, as well as Lake Forest Country Club in Hudson. Golf ran in his family, as his father was also a golf professional, which helped shape Shute’s early passion for the game.
His competitive career included multiple notable victories. In 1930, he won both the Los Angeles Open and Texas Open. In 1932, he claimed victories at the Miami-Biltmore and Glen Falls tournaments. The following year, Shute had a breakout international win, taking the British Open title in 1933, along with the Gasparilla Open. In 1937, he won the PGA Championship, further solidifying his place among the top golfers of his era. Shute was also a consistent contender in major tournaments, finishing 10th in the 1936 U.S. Open and winning the Tropical Open.
Shute’s accomplishments extended beyond individual victories. He was a member of the 1931 and 1937 Ryder Cup teams, contributing to Team USA’s success in both foursomes and singles matches. Additionally, he represented the U.S. in the 1934 PGA team competition in Australia.
Throughout his career, Shute was known for his solid ball-striking and competitive spirit, earning a reputation as one of the top golfers of the 1930s.

R. Shave served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section from 1952 to 1953, providing leadership and guidance during that period. His tenure reflects the ongoing tradition of dedicated professionals who have shaped the history and growth of the NOPGA.

W.H. Way served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section during two terms, from 1943 to 1945 and again from 1950 to 1951. He played a significant role in the early development of the Section, helping to establish it as a prominent organization in the region. His leadership laid the groundwork for future generations of golf professionals in Northern Ohio and contributed to the Section’s lasting legacy.

A Toledo native, Harry Moffitt began his golf career as a 10-year-old caddy at Bay View Park and went on to become the longtime head professional at Heather Downs Country Club. Renowned for running an excellent pro shop, he also mentored top players like Barb McIntire, who became a national amateur champion under his guidance.
He played a key role in national PGA affairs, serving in various leadership positions before becoming President of the PGA of America from 1955 to 1957. During his tenure, he helped establish the organization’s merchandising and educational programs. He remains the only Northern Ohio PGA member ever elected to this role.
In 2005, he was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame and also served as President of the PGA Seniors, though the dates of that service remain undocumented.

W.H. Way served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section during two terms, from 1943 to 1945 and again from 1950 to 1951. He played a significant role in the early development of the Section, helping to establish it as a prominent organization in the region. His leadership laid the groundwork for future generations of golf professionals in Northern Ohio and contributed to the Section’s lasting legacy.

Born in Monifeth, Scotland, Marty Cromb was a force in the Ohio golf scene for decades before his death in 1985. At various times, he served as assistant to David Livie at Shaker Heights Country Club and Reg Myles at the Country Club of Cleveland. Marty acted as President of the Toledo Chapter PGA for 12 years and President of the Ohio PGA in 1942. He was National President PGA Seniors in 1955. Accolades include election to the Greater Toledo Hall of Fame in 1961 and being named Professional Emeritus of the Toledo Country Club in 1967. During World War II, Marty was instrumental in the local and state PGA’s support of the war effort. From 1940 to 1945, a percentage of all entry fees was donated to the American Red Cross. An esteemed teacher, Marty’s student Frank Stranahan would win two British Amateur Championships. As a player Marty won numerous Pro-Am titles. As a professional, he was revered thorugh many letters of respect from Joe Dey Jr, Byron Nelson, Frank Stranahan, Herb Graffis, Harold Sargeant, Harry Moffitt, Fred McLeod, Willie Hunter, Leo Fraser, Max Elbin and former Toledo Country Club President William Draper. Colleagues and students pay tribute to Marty’s outstanding career and service to fellow professionals and the PGA of America.

C. Clarke served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section in 1941, providing leadership and guidance to the organization during that year. His service reflects the ongoing tradition of dedicated PGA Professionals who have helped shape the growth and success of the Section.

R. Shave served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Section in 1940, providing leadership and guidance to the Section during that year. His service reflects the longstanding tradition of dedicated PGA Professionals who have helped shape the growth and success of the Northern Ohio PGA.