Hall of FAME

Rob Moss is one of the most accomplished PGA Professionals in Northern Ohio history. A PGA Member since 2001, Moss has captured 14 Northern Ohio PGA major championships over the course of a 33-year career and was inducted into the NOPGA Hall of Fame in 2024.

A graduate of Padua High School and Kent State University, Moss turned professional in 1991 after earning a business degree. He competed internationally on the Asian and South American Tours from 1994 to 1998, and played on the Nike Tour (now the Korn Ferry Tour) during the 1996 and 2000 seasons.

After joining the NOPGA, Moss began his section career as an assistant professional at Lakewood Country Club in 2001. He went on to serve as Head Professional at Elyria Country Club before taking on the same role at Pepper Pike Club in 2009, where he continues to serve today.

Moss is a three-time Ohio Open Champion, a five-time NOPGA Section Champion, a two-time Mitchell-Haskell Tour Champion, and a three-time Denny Shute Match Play Champion. He has represented the NOPGA 19 times in the annual Ohio Cup Matches and was named Section Player of the Year five times. He is also a two-time recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his mentorship and integrity as a PGA Professional.

Before turning professional, Moss won the 1989 Ohio Amateur at Moraine Country Club.

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

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.

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.

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.

Craig Murray graduated Cum Laude in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio. He became an Assistant Golf Professional at Scioto Country Club in 1975. He was the Assistant Professional to Walker Inman. He then became an Assistant Golf Professional at Canterbury Golf Club in 1976 where he was the Assistant Professional to Duff Lawrence. He worked at Canterbury until 1979, when he became the Teaching Professional at Inverness Club in 1980. He was an Assistant Professioal to Herman Lang. In 1981, Craig would advance to his first Head Golf Professional position at Moundbuildrers Country Club in Newark, Ohio. He was there until 1983 when he returned to Canterbury Golf Club as its Head Professional. He was at Canterbury until he retired in 2009. He is currently a PGA of America Life Member. Craig became a Class A PGA Professional in 1979. He served on the Northern Ohio PGA Board of Directors form 1985-1989. He served as the Northern Ohio PGA Secretary from 1987-1988. He was also the Northern Ohio PGA Tournament Chairman from 1986-1989. his awards include: NOPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1999 and NOPGA Merchandiser of the Year (Private Category) in 1988. His playing accomplishments include: Qualified locally for US Open in 1995; Qualifier for Hogan (Korn Ferry) Tour Event in 1991; Qualified for PGA National Club Professional Championship in 1985 & 1987; NOPGA Denny Shute Match Play Champion in 1984; and he set the course record at Mounbuilders Country Club with a score of 66. He and his wife Andrea Sue have a daughter, Courtney and a son-in-law Brenden Kesler.

Brad Apple became a Class A Member of the PGA of America in 1991. He is currently the COO/Director of Golf at Belmont Country Club, Perrysburg, Ohio. Nine of his Assistant Golf Professional have gone on to become Head Golf Professionals. He served on the Northern Ohio PGA Board of Directors from 2001 – 2005. He served on the Northern Ohio PGA – Toledo Chapter – Board of Directors from 1996-2005. During this time period, he held each of the Toledo Chapter officer position (Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President). His playing highlights include: Qualified for four PGA Professional Championships; Qualified for three Senior PGA Professional Championships; he has been an Ohio Cup team member; has won multiple Northern Ohio PGA Section Events, has won multiple Northern Ohio PGA – Toledo Chapter events; has been a five-time stage qualifier for the U.S. Open. His thoughts on the best part of being a PGA Professionals: “Without question, the thing I cherish the most is the relatioinships that have been created throughout my career. Of course some significant bonds with members, but more so with my piers of the Northern Ohio PGA. The respect and true friendships that exist between the professionals of the Northern Ohio PGA, as well as the Staff of the Northern Ohio PGA, is doubtfully equaled in any other Section in the US. When my career is over, it is that which I will miss the most.”

Tom Waitrovich became a Class A member of the PGA of America in 1989. He has been the Head Golf Professional at Lakewood Country Club for 25 Years (1992-2017). Thirteen of his Assistant Golf Professionals have gone on to become Head Golf Professionals. He served on the NOPGA Board of Directors from 1998-2004 and then again from 2012-2013. His honors include: NOPGA Golf Professional of the Year (2015); NOPGA Horton Smith Award Winner (2003,2009,2013); NOPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Winner (2000); and NOPGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private (1998 & 2008). His playing accomplishments include: participated in nine National PGA Club Professional Championships; member of ten Ohio Cup teams; NOPGA Section Championship (2000); NOPGA Senior Match Play Champion (2009); and Ohio Senior Open Champion (2013).

Rod Johnston is a PGA of America Life Member. He earned PGA Master Professional status (#122) in 1993 (344 Master Professionals out of 28,000 PGA Members and Apprentices) He was the Pro/Manager at Western Reserve Golf Course in Sharon Center, Ohio from 1975-1977. He then became the Teaching Assistant for George Bigham at the Oakwood Club from 1977-1984. In 1984, he became the Head Golf Professional at Portage Country Club. He would retire from Portage in 2012 with the distinguished honor of being the longest tenured Head Golf Professional in the club’s history. He is currently the Owner/Director of the Palm Springs Golf Academy. PGA Professionals who have taught at his golf academy include: Dominic Antenucci, George Bigham, Bob Bourne, Jimmie Brothers, Dave Britton, Howard Clendenin, Jim Dale, Bill Davis, John Fiander, Tom Fussaro, Dean Golko, John Goodson, Lori Griffey, Bernie Haas, Brad Hicklin, Duff Lawrence, Larry Manski, Dave Mottice, Jack McKelvey, Randy Padavick, Steve Parker, Mark Phelps, Bill Reilly, Chuck Rininger, Mike Shulas, John Sico, Curt Siegel, Danny Simmons, Dan Smith, Jeff Staker, Charlie Stock, Craig Stoudnor, Brandon Veld, and Charlie Wood. Rod served on the NOPGA Board of Directors in 1991. His honors include: NOPGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private (1987); NOPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Winner (1990); NOPGA Teacher of the Year (1993); NOPGA Horton Smith Award Winner (1996); NOPGA Golf Professional of Year (1997). Other accomplishments include: 12 of his assistants have gone on to become PGA Head Golf Professionals; he developed and patented two teaching aids with George Bigham “The Answer” and “The Power Shift”.

Tom Herzan is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota where he played on the varsity golf team at Cretin High School for four years. After high school, he served in the army and was a team member on the All Army Golf Team playing and serving alongside Allen Doyle and Walt Morgan. During this time, Tom won the 1975 US Army Pacific Championship. Upon honorable discharge, he attended Arizona State University where he played on the Sun Devil Golf Team from 1976-1979. He turned professional in 1979. Tom was the Teaching Professional at Canterbury golf Club from 1982 to 1987. He was the Head Golf Professional/Director of Golf at Findlay Country Club from 1988 to 2004. He is currently the Honorary Member/Teaching Professional at Findlay Country Club. His playing accomplishments include: Wisconsin PGA Section Assistants Champion, 1981; National PGA of America Assistants Championship 3rd Place, 1981; Northern Ohio PGA Section Champion, 2005; Northern Ohio PGA Senior Section Championship, 2003, 2006, & 2007; Northern Ohio PGA Senior Match Play Champion, 2004 & 2005; Northern Ohio PGA Senior Player of the Year, 2003, 2004 & 2005; Toledo Open Senior Division Champion, 2005 & 2007; and Senior Ohio Open Champion, 2006 & 2007. His honors include: Northern Ohio PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private, 1991 & 1995.

Bob Bourne is a native of Oberlin, Ohio where he graduated from Oberlin High School. Bob received 10 varsity letters while compiling a record of 46-0 representing the golf team. His college days were in Texas, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and was a letterman at the University of Houston. After playing the PGA Tour for three years (1970-72), Bob decided to pursue a career as a club professional. He has been a member of the PGA of America siince 1975. He was the Head Golf Professional at Beechmont Country Club from 1976 to 1990. His honors include Northern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year, 2002 & 2006; Master Professional of Instruction, PGA of America, 2005; Northern Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame Inductee, 2008. His service to the Northern Ohio PGA includes: Coordinator of Apprentice Affairs, 1982-84 and Coordinator of Membership Interviews, 1980-1983. A great passion for teaching has evolved through working at top 100 clubs and giving over 40,000 lessons in the past 43 years. He is currently the Director of Instruction at StoneWater Golf Club, Highland Heights, Ohio.

Ron Tristano joined the PGA of America Apprentice Program in 1977 while working at Union Country Club. He worked for PGa Professional Paul Parsons, and a former employee of Ben Hogan. In 1980 Ron became the Non Member Head Professional at West Mogadore Country Club where he would get acquainted with and learn from PGA Professionals Tom McKinney and John Rainieri. Tirstano became the Head Professional/General Manager at Chippewa golf Club in 1984. Ron became a Class A PGA Member in1987. While at Chippewa, he was asked to colunteer at Edwin Shaw Hospital helping therapists reintroduce golf to persons with disabilities. He was tremendously impressed with the program and amazed by the courage of the new golf students. When Edwin Shaw Hospital wanted to hire someone full time to help grow the program and meet their goal of building an accessible training facility; Ron accepted the “Challenge”. He became the Director of the Challenge Golf Program in 1991. In 2014 the Challenge Golf Program celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Challenge Golf Center was renamed the Ron Tristano Golf Center to honor Ron’s 24 years of service and dedication to the program. Ron’s other honors include: 2001 NOPGA Teacher of the Year and being named a top golf instructor in the USA and Canada in 2003 and 2005 by Golf Magazine.

Gary has been a PGA Member for 20 years. He was the Head PGA Golf Professional at Aurora Golf & Country Club from 1991-2005. He is currently a PGa Teaching Professional at Windmill Golf Center in Macedonia, Ohio. His playing accomplishments are numerous. His amateur accomplishments include Ohio Amateur Champion in 1977 and Ohio Publinks Champion in 1973,1977 and 1978. His professional accomplishments include: sevent-time Northern Ohio PGA Player of the Year; Ohio Open Champion in 1979; Northern Ohio PGA Section Champion in 1990 and 1996; qualified for 12 straight Ohio Cup Teams as a regular and senior member; Ohio Senior Open Champion in 2008 and 2011; and three time Northern Ohio PGa Senior Section Champion. He was a member of the Champions Tour in 2008 and was an Associate Member from 2009-2013. He qualified and played in the British Senior Open in 2010, 2011 and 2013. He hosted “The Golf Show” on radio WTAM 1100 with partner Russ Jeske on Sunday evenings February through September from 1995 -2009. His other honors include: 2012 Inductee Northern Ohio PGA Golf Association Hall of Game; 2008 Inductee Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife Kelly have four children: Andria, Alyssa, Devon and Paul.

Tony Milam has been a passional junior golf leader since becoming a PGA Member in 1985. He is the founder and chairman of The Classic Auto- North Coast Junior Golf Tour that began in 1992. The tour hosts 22 events each season and has served over 3,500 junior its inception. Milam is devoted to educating others, and especially juniors, on the rules of golf etiquette, and how to really share the “Spirit of the Game”. Milam hosts three half day Rules of Golf/Spirit of the Game workshops for hundreds of ju iors and their parents each spring. His junior committee helps him run some of the highest quality junior events anywhere and everyone is always focused on the rules of golf and the “Spirit of the Game”. As a club professional, Milam served with ClubCorp of America for 20 years: 1975-1981 – Montclair CC, in Dumfries, VA; 1981-1983 – Inverrary CC in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 1983-1985- Montclair CC, in Northern Virginia; 1986-1996 – Quail Hollow Resort, in Concord, Ohio. He was a board member for the Northern Ohio PGA for several years and served as the section’s membership chariman for eight years. Section Awards include Junior Golf Leader ad Merchandiser of the Year (Resort). As a playing professional, Milam has won more than 50 professional tournaments, including the Northern Ohio PGA Section Championship, Ohio Senior Open & Section Player of the Year. He played in several PGA Tour events, including 1987 PGA Championship. Milam also learned the art of golf trick shots in 1982, after meeting and working with Paul Hahn Jr. Today he still performs trick shot golf shows for all ages, which usually includes many juniors annually. He took up the game in northern Virginia and started playing competitively under the Father of American Junior Golf – Frank Xavier Emmet, who ran his first junior event in 1927 (the Schoolboy Championship). Milam became a successful junior player and one of his junior highlights was winning Mr. Emmet’s Golden Anniversary (50th) Invitational event in 1977.The event was held in the Washington DC metro area and the trophy was presented by Dean Beaman, the current Commisioner of the PGA Tour and a former Frank Emmett player as well.

Grange “Sandy” Alves was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on February 1,1885. He was called “Sandy” because of the color of is hair. His father started him playing golf at a very early age. Before he lefr for America, he won the Aberdeen City Amateur. In 1904, he left his home to come to America. His first job in America was at French Lick Springs, Indiana. It was during his years as the golf pro at French Lick that Sandy became interested in the golf course end of the business. After he left French Lick and moved to Cleveland, he was approached by a group of men to build a golf course in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He and a good friend, Donald Ross, agreed on a plan and Alves supervised the construction of what is known as Shaker Heights Country Club. It opened for play on July 4, 1915 and Sandy was its first club professional. In 1922, he was approached by a Masonic group to build a golf course in Lyndhurst, Ohio. Again, he and Donald Ross figured out a plan and Alves supervised the construction of what was known as Acacia Country Club. In addition to his duties as pro, he supervised all improvements and maintenance of the golf course until his death in 1939. In addition to Shaker Heights Country Club and Acacia Country Club, he redesigned many golf courses including Ridgewood Country Club, Twin Lakes Country Club, Madison Country Club, Highland Meadows Country Club, and Highland Park Municipal Golf Course. His playing accomplishments include winning the Ohio Open in 1915, 1992 and 1925. Alves played in the inaugural PGA Senior Championship at Augusta National Golf Club in 1937. His service to golf association includes serving as Vice President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, as well as, the PGA of America in the late 1920’s. During the early 1930’s, he was President of the local Cleveland Chapter of the PGA for three years. He was also president of the Ohio Section at the time of his death.

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.

Mitch was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His family moved to Orville, Ohio where he graduated from Orrville High School in 1976. In that same year, he was named the Ohio High School Overall Champion. He then attended Ohio State University where he graduated in 1980 with a BSBA Marketing Degree. In that same year, he was named a 2nd Team All-American and won the Les Bolstad Award for Low Stroke Average in the Big 10. He began his professional golfing career as a member of the Space Coast Golf Tour until 1983 when he accepted the position of Assistant Golf Professional at Fairlawn Country Club in Akron, Ohio. In 1989, he became the Director of Golf at Club Walden in Aurora, Ohio, where he is presently. His playing accomplishments include Ohio Open Champion in 1985 and 1993. He was the Northern Ohio PGA Assistants Champion in 1988. He came in third place in the National Assistant Championship. He was the Northern Ohio PGA Section Champion in 1989 and 1993. In 1993 he earned NOPGA Player of the Year honors. In 1987 and 2001 he was NOPGa Match Play Champion. He won the Ohio Senior Open in 2009. In 2012 he was the Toledo Open Senior Champion, as well as Northern Ohio PGA Senior Match Play Champion. His other awards include: member of Orville High School Sports Hall of Fame, member of Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame, Northern Ohio PGA Merchandiser of the Year, Private, and has been honored as Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Leader of te Year four times. While a member of the Northern Ohio PGA, Mitch served as a board member from 1994 to 2002. He has been a member of the Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Committee since 1989. Mitch and his wife Julie have one son, Ryan.

Jay was born in Canton, Ohio. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He them attended Edinboro University. He was inducted into the Edinboro University Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. He was inducted in to the St. Thomas Aquinas Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. He was also an inductee of the inaugural class of the Stark County Golf Hall of Fame in 2010. In 1979 he became the Head Golf Professional at Edgewood Golf Club. In 1985 he became the Head Golf Professional at Skyland Pines Golf Course. In 1994 he became the owner/operator of Jay Spitale Golf Center until 1999. In 1999 he returned to skyland Pines Golf Course as the Head Golf Professional until 2004 wen he became the owner of Spitale Driving Range and Teaching Center. He then became a PGA Teaching Professional at Congress Lake Club. In 1995 Jay developed the Spitale Junior Golf Tour in memory of his father, Angelo. The tour offers five tournaments a year in the Stark county area, averaging 100 players per tournament. While a member of the Northern Ohio PGA he served on the Board of Directors from 1991-1998; Tournament Committee Chairman from 1993-1995; Assistant Committee Chairman 1997-1998. He was honored as the Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year in 2003. His playing accomplishmets include Northern Ohio PGA Assistants Championship winner in 1980; Denny Shute Match Play Champion in 1990; and Senior Denny Shute Match Play Champion in 2006 and 2007. Jay and his wife Christy have three children, Christy, Julie, and Jay; and four grandchildren.

Joe was born in Elyria, Ohio. He attended Elyria High School. In October, 1945, Joe was drafted by the US Army Infantry and due to superior scores on the Army’s IQ test he was immediately reassigned to the Army Air Force. Unfortuately, he contracted SPinal Meningitis while serving and was honorably discharged in 1947. He started his golf career in 1952 as an Assistat Golf Professional at Sunset Country Club in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 1954 he became the Assistant Golf Professional at Congress Lake Country Club. Then in 1955 he became the Assistant Golf Professional at Elyria Country Club. Joe’s first Head Golf Professional position was at Oberlin Golf Club where he was employed from 1959 to 1964. In 1966 he became the Head Golf Professional at Aqua Marine Resort where he remained until 1992. He is presently a PGA of America Life Member and a Teaching Professional at Bob-O-Links Golf Course in Avon, Ohio. In 1989 Joe was honored as the Northern Ohio PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Resort category. He was elected to the PGA of America Half Century Club in 2009 for his 50 years of service and dedication to the Association. His communicty service involvement is extensive. He works with disabled war vetrans, as well as, other disbaled individuals. He volunteers his time with the ForeHope organization, as well as, working with stroke victims from the Lorain Community Hospital. Joe also donates used golf clubs and golf balls to the First Tee organizations in Northern Ohio. Joe and his wife Joan currently reside in Avon, Ohio. They have three children, Mark, Jonathan, and Joseph Jr.

Bob was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He attended Technical High School. He then attended Springfield College where he would earn a Bachelors of Science Degree in 1958 and go on to earn a Masters of Science Degree in 1959. After earning his B.S. Degree he became a Physical Education Instructor at Bloomfield Senior High School where he was also the Varsity Golf Coach. In 1964 he began his career at the College of Wooster as a Professor of Physical Education and still holds that position today. He became the Varsity Golf Coach in 1967 and held the position until 1996. He coached the College of Wooster golf team to 22 NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship appearances in 32 seasons, including the 1975 title. While he was the coach, Gary Welshhans, PGA, became the First All American for the golf program. Bob hosted three NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championships in 1978,1983, and 1992. He was named the NCAA Division II-III Golf Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1992. He became a PGA Member in 1974. He was the Director & PGA Professional of L.C. Boles Golf Coutse, The College of Wooster from 1969-1996. Some of his honors include: Golf Coaches Association of America National Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1992; inducted into the College of Wooster Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997; Northern Ohio PGA Life Time Achievement Award in 1998; inducted into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999; and was awarded the Golf Coaches Association of America Honor Award in 2000. Bob was named Golf Week Magazine’s “Father of the Year in 2007. Bob has three sons who are PGA Professionals (Greg, Scott, and Gary). Bob and his wife Peg also have two daughters (Debra and Donna)

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.

Gary was born in West Liberty, Ohio. He graduated with honors from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. He began his professional golf career in 1973 as the Golf Professional and Superintendent at Norwalk Elks CC. In 1996, Gary became the General Manager/Partner of Eagle Creek Golf Club. He would remain in that position for 11 years. In 2008, he became the Comptroller/ Partner of Eagle Creek Golf Club. His playing accomplishments include qualifying for five PGA Club Professional Championships and qualifying for six Senior PGA Club Professional Championships. He was the Ohio Senior Open Champion in 2001 and earned honors as the Northern Ohio PGA Senior Player of the Year the same year. He was awarded the Lifetime Award of Merit from the NOPGA for his outstanding achievement as a player in 1997. He has served the Northern Ohio PGA as a member of the Northern Ohio PGA Club Relations Committee (1987 -1989) and as a member of the Northern Ohio PGA Board of Directors (1984-1986). Gary is a Quarter Century Member of the PGA of America. He was the President of the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association form 2004-2007. He was a member of the National Golf Course Owners Association Board of Directors from 2005-2010. He was also President of the Lake Erie Junior Golf Association form 1994-2007. Gary and his wife Kathy have two sons, Ben and Joe.

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.

Dr. William J. Powell is the only African American to design, build, own, and operate a golf course in the world. In 1946, Mr. Powell broke ground on what is today, Clearview Golf Club. 1948 marked the opening of the first nine holes of this now 18 hole historic golf course. In 1937, he along with his brother Berry, formed the first golf team at Wilberforce University. He served as Co-Captain of the team. History was made when Wilberforce University and Ohio Northern University played a match against each other. This was the first time that a black college and a white college competed against each other. Wilberforce was victorious. Dr. Powell has received numerous honors including: 1992 – National Golf Foundation selected his family to be the recipient of “The Jack Nicklaus Golf Family of the Year Award”; 1996 – Inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame; 1998 – Received honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Baldwin – Wallace College; 1998- Awarded the first “Legends of Golf Award” by the Woodholme Foundation; 2007 – Inducted into the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame. Dr. William Powell was awarded an honorary Section Membership in 1997 by the PGA of America Northern Ohio Section. In 1999 the PGA of America made Dr. Powell a Class A PGA Member retroactive to January 1962. In 1940 Bill married Marcella. Their 56 year marriage produced three children, William, Renee – who spent 13 years on the LPGa Tour and is currently the Head Golf Professional at Clearview Golf Club, and Lawrence who serves as the course superintendent.

Gary was born in Fort Eustis, Virginia. He attended Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana. He then attended Southeastern Louisiana University and Purdue University. He became a PGA Member in 1978. He became a teaching professional at Firestone Country Club in 1980. He advanced to Head Golf Professional in 1981. While Head Golf Professional at Firestone Country Club he also served as the Golf Coach at the University of Akron. In 1992 he became the Director of Golf at Firestone Country Club. He is currently the Director of Golf at Brookside Country Club. His playing accomplishments include: 1986 Ohio Open Champion; 2004 Senior Ohio Open Champion; 4 time Northern Ohio PGA Section Champion; 3 time Northern Ohio PGA Match Play Champion; he achieved a conditional PGA Champions Tour card in 2005; qualified for 3 PGA Championships, 5 Senior PGA Championships, and 23 PGA National Club Professional Championships. His Norhtenr Ohio PGA Section Awards include: 8 time Northern Ohio PGA Player of the Year; 3 time Northern Ohio PGA Senior Player of the Year; and 1996 Northern Ohio PGA Merchandiser of the Year. Gary and his wife Ruth have two children, Kristen and Steven.

Bob was born in Warren, Ohio. He attended Warren G. Harding High School. He then attended Kent State University. Bob began his professional golfing career in 1972 as the Assistant Golf Professional at Hawthorne Valley Country Club. He then took a postition at Silver Lake Country Club in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. bob then moved to Wisconsin to take an Assistant Professional position at Brynwood Country Club in Milwaukee. In 1977 he accepted his first Head Golf Professional postion at Ridgewood Golf Course in Parma. In 1988 he became the owner of West Pines Golf Range in Avon. His playing accomplishments include shooting a course record of 63 at Brookledge Golf Course in 1999. He has won numerous Northern Ohio PGA Senior Stroke Play events over the years. He has served the Northern Ohio PGA for over 27 years. He served on the Board of Directos in 1982. Bob was the Senior Golf Chairman form 2000-2005. He currently is the chairman of the Northern Ohio PGA Senior Reunions. His junior golf programs have produced many accomplished players such as Barch Mucha, five time LPGA winner; Rob Moss, Head Golf Professional at Pepper Pike Country Club; John Sico, Head Golf Professional, Westwood Country Club, and Chris Wollman, USGA Publinks Champion.

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.

Dominic started his life in golf at age 13,working as a caddy, on the grounds crew and starting at Seneca Golf Course. He continued his passion for golf throughout his high school, college and military career. His professional career started in 1972 at Belmont Hills Country Club as an assistant professional and then advancing to the Alliance Country Club, Walden Golf and Country Club, Avon Oaks Country Club as their Head PGA Professionals and Director of Golf at Country Clubs of Fox Meadows. He was the Executive Director for the Northern Ohio PGA Section, a postion he has held since 1999 until 2019. He enjoys golfing wiht family and friends, exercising, traveling and dining out. A PGA Member since 1978, married to Eileen and has two children, Dino and Amanda.

Tom was born in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Oakmont High School. He graduated from the University of Memphis in 1971, where he was a four year letterman. Tom turned professional in 1971. He was elected to Calss A PGA Membership in 1975. Some of his playing accomplishments include: Tri-State PGA Assistant Champion in 1971; NOPGA Section Champion in 1998; NOPGA Senior Section Champion and Senior Player of the Year in 2003; and NOPGA Senior Match Play Champion in 2004. Tom has played in nine professional championships during his playing career, as well as six senior professional national championships. His peers honored him in 1998 when they selected him as the Northern Ohio PGA Professional of the Year. He has served on the Northern Ohio PGA Board of Directors four times. Tom was the Head Golf Professional at Shaker Heights Country Club. He was the golf coach at Lake Catholic High School from 1996-2005. He founded the Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Program with fellow Northern Ohio PGA member Paul McMullen.

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.

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.

Greg graduated from Bedford High School, where he still holds the season averae record of 77.7. He was the Toledo District Junior Champion in 1967. He graduated from the University of Toledo in 1972. He became a Class A Member of the PGA of America Board Member from 1987 to 1989. He was appointed as the Chairman of the PGA National Junior Golf Committee in 1987. He was then appointed as Chairman of the PGA Membership and Eligibility Committee in 1988. He was a member of the PGA Championship committee from 1985 to 1989. He was also a member of the Ryder Cup Championship Committee in 1987 and 1989. He was named the PGA Liason to the US Open in 1979. He Co-Founded the Toledo Junior Golf Association in 1973 and is currently still a board member. He founded the PGA Northwest Ohio Junior Championship in 1971. He also founded the Class City Girls’ Golf Tour in 1991. He was the Chairman from 1991 to 1996. He was honored as the Northern Ohio PGA Horton Smith Award winner in 1981 and 1983. He was selected as the Northern Ohio PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year in 1985. He was inducted into the Toledo Golf Hall of Fame in 2005. Greg is the owner of South Toledo Golf Club, South Toledo GOLFDOME, and Scotch Run Golf Center. Greg and his wife Raynellare proud parents of Jennifer and Sheryl.

The Markham, Ontario native attended Kent State University, where he earned four varsity letters in golf. During his senior year, he was the captain of the golf team. He became a member of the PGA of America in 1986. Herb is the Director of Golf/Owner of Windmill Lakes Golf Course in Ravenna and Director of Golf/Head of Men’s Coach for Kent State University. He is one of the most respected coaches in college golf. He has led members of the Kent golf team to appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 15 of the last 16 years. All told, in 21 years of coaching Page has led the Golden Flases to 50 tournament titles. PAge has been named NCAA District IV Coach of the Year six times in his career. In addition, he has been selected as the Mid-American Conference Golf Coach of the Year a total of 10 times. In 1997 Herb was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northern Ohio PGA for the many years he has spent mentoring future golf professionals. Many of his students are golf professionals, golf coaches, tournament directors, and sales representatives. He was also honored as the Northern Ohio PGA Merchandiser of the Year/Public Facility six times – 1988,1990-1993, and 2004. Herb is married to Dr. Paula Treckel.

Deon graduated from West Branch High School in 1966, where he was a four-year letter winner. He won seventeen events as a junior golfer, while only losing a total of two matches during his junior and senior year. He attended the Univeristy of Michigan in 1966 before turning professional in December of 1967. In his first professional event in 1968, Deon earned a check in the amount of $15.50. In 1969 Deon became employed at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Alliance as an Assistant Golf Professional. He was promoted to Head Golf Professional in 1971. He remained at Sleepy Hollow Country Club until 1991 when he became the Head Golf Professional at Parkview Golf Course/Airport Greens. He remained there until 1993 when he became the Head Golf Professional at Mid Pines Golf Course. In 1998 he became the Assistant Golf Professional at the Pepper Pike Club and was promoted to Head Golf Professional in 2000. His playing accomplishments include: in 1990 he shot a round of 59 to set the course record at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Ohio Open Champion in 1974; Tigertown Open Champion in 1974 and 1982; NOPGA Section Champion in 1991; NOPGA Senior Section Champion in 1999; he qualified to participate in the PGA Seniro Championship in 2000. During his career Deon has qualified to participate in four PGA Club Professional Championships and three PGA Senior Club Professional Championships. He finished thirteenth in the 2000 PGA Senior Club Professional Championship. Deon became a member of the PGA of America in 1975. He served as NOPGA Section Treasurer in 1982. He also serveed as Norther Ohio PGA Tournament Chairman for many years.

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.

Frank was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and graduated from Academy High School. He served with the Army Air Corps Air Supply during and after World War II in New Guinea and the Phillipines. He attended the University of Miami in Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and received a letter in golf. After becoming a member of the PGA of America in 1957, he was the Assistant Golf Professional at The Country Club in Pepper Pike. In 1961 he became the Head Golf Professional at Hawthorne Valley Country Club in Solon until 1971. He then took the Head Golf Professional position at Lake Forest Country Club in 1974 and remained there until 1982. Frank is currently a Teaching Professional at Deciles Driving Range in Highland Hills. Frank served as the Nothern Ohio PGA Tournament Chairman from 1962 to 1963. He also served as the Northern Ohio PGA Senior Chairman amd Treasurer for 10 years. Frank is the father of two daughters, Michelle Illes and Ginette DiDomenico, and a grandfather to Nathalie, Anna, Dominick, Vincent, Maria, and Michael. He is a Life Member of the PGA of America.

Charlie Stock graduated from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri with a degree in Political Science and a Letter in Golf. He received the first Missouri Golf Association Golf Scholarship while attending college. After becoming a member of the PGA of America in 1967, Charlie played on the PGA Tour form 1968-1970. In 1971 Charlie accepted a position as the full time teaching professional at the Oakwood Club in Cleveland, Ohio. After serving as the Teaching Professional for six years, he accepted his frist Head Golf Professional position at Acacia Country Club in Lyndhurst, Ohio, Charlie was the Teaching Professional at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Canton in 1989 and he was golf Professional at Pine Ridge Country Club from 1990 until he moved back to Missouri in 1999 he became the Co-Owner of Eagle Island Family Golf Center in Wentzville. In 1984 Charlie initiated the NOPGA Golf Marathon. He helped raise over $250,000 for local Cleveland charities, junior golf, and Northern Ohio Golf and the impact it had on the Northern Ohio area, he was named the NOPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1985. In 1987 he played 783 holes in 24 hours, which at that time was the Guiness Record. He is a Life Member of the PGA of America.

Renee picked up her first club at the age of three. At the age of 12, she entered and won her division in her first tournament, the Forest City Tournament at Seneca Golf Course in Broadview Heights, Ohio, Renee attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where she was named captain of the Ladies Golf Team. She was recognized as the top female amateur golfer in Ohio. Renee turned professional in 1967. In 1979 she made history by becoming the first woman to be named Head Golf Professional at a golf course in the United Kingdom. The course was Silvermere, near London, England. In 1985, she hosted the first of what was become an annual event, The Renee Powell/Anheuser Busch Golf Tournament to benefit the United Negro College Fund. It is held each year at Clearview Golf Club, with teams of amateurs getting the opportunity to play with both past and present stars of the NFL, NBA, and other sports. The following year, Renee established an Annual Pro-Am Tournament initially benefiting The Special Olympics and now the Ronald McDonald House Charities. It features women from the LPGA partnered with foursomes of amateurs. In 1996, Renee became the first African American Female Class A member of the PGA of America. She is is the only African American professional Class A member of both the LPGA and the PGA of America of America. Renee established The Renee Powell Youth Golf Camp Candre Program, which is supported by the PGA of America. The program is designed to give inner city youth an opportunity to leanr and play the game of golf. It also focuses on making the youth well-rounded members of society, with emphasis on education and the arts. The program has been conducted with the help of Baldwin Wallace College, Cleveland City Schools, and the City of Cleveland. In 1988, she received the Card Walker Award from the PGA Tour for significant contribution to junior golf. Renee was honored by being named 2003 recipient of the First Lady of Golf Award by the PGA of America; previous recipients have been Barbara Nicklaus, Judy Bell, Judy Rankin, and Nancy Lopez. Renee resides in Canton, where along with her father, fellow PGA of America Member, Bill Powell and her brother Larry, she runs the family business, Clearview Golf Course.

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.

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.

George Valentine has been the Director of Golf at Brookside Golf Course in Ashland since 1978. Elected to PGA membership in 1983, he has received special awards from the NOPGA for his Leadership in Junior Golf and for his coaching tenure at Ashland High School and Ashland University. He has served as the Director of MArketing and Research for The National Golf Foundation. He has helped with teaching and coaching for the Cleveland Society for the Blind Golf Program. He has served as Golf Rules Interpreter and Clinic Coordinator for the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the past 20 years. He has been elected to the Ohio High School Hall of Fame, the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame, and he is a recipient of an Honorary Alumunus Award at Ashland University for his Contribution to AU golf. George and his wife Peggy have four children and eight grandchildren.

Frank Wharton, a native of Austin, Texas was a Texas State High School Champion in 1954. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1958. He was a member of the University of Houston NCAA Championship in 1957. He became an Assitant Golf Professional at Winged Foot Golf Course under Claude Harmon in 1962 and continued to work for Mr. Harmon in 1963 and 1966. He won the Westchester PGA Championship in 1996. He was the Head Professional at Fairlawn starting in 1967. He won the Ohio Open in 1968. He has been the NOPGA Player of the Year. He was the NOPGA Senior Player of the Year in 1999.

Don Padgett graduated from Muncie Southside High School in 1967. He earned a B.S. defee in marketing from Indiana University in 1971. He was the Big Ten Indiana Champion in 1969. He was named an All American in 1969 and 1970. He was the Indiana Amateur Champion in 1970. Padgett was the Indiana University Golf Team Captain in 1971. He won the Indiana Open in 1972 and 1975. He played on the PGa Tour from 1972-1974. He was named Head Professional at Woodland Country Club in 1975. He was the Indiana PGA Champion in 1975 and 1979. He was the Indiana Player of the Year in 1975 and 1979. He has been the only player to win the Indiana Grand Slam (Stroke Play/Open/Match Play). He accomplished this in 1975. In 1980 he became the Director of Golf at Firestone Country Club amd then in 1984 he was promoted to General Manager. He won the Ohio Open in 1988. He was the NOPGA Champion in 1981,1984,1987, and 1994. In 1994. In 1994 he was named General Manaer and Vice President, ClubCorp. He increased Firestone Country Club’s profits form $800,000 in 1983 to $16,000 in 2000. He was responsible for over 50 million dollars in improvement and expansion at Firestone Country Club. Don is married to wife Gay, and is the proud father of Don III and Jennifer.

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.

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.

John J. Rainieri (b. 1935) is a distinguished PGA of America life member whose career has had a significant impact on Northern Ohio golf. A Uniontown, Ohio native, he began his journey in the sport assisting his family in building and operating local courses—such as Suffield Springs, Paradise Lake, Raintree, and Prestwick—demonstrating a deep, lifelong dedication to golf.

In 1991, Rainieri became the Director of Golf at Raintree Country Club, a public course and event center in Uniontown. He served in that role until 2003, overseeing operations, enhancing programming, and contributing to the club’s reputation as a community hub. Under his leadership, Raintree thrived as a respected regional facility known for its scenic layout and welcoming atmosphere.

Rainieri also remained active in competitive senior golf, highlighted by a strong showing at the 1992 Ohio Senior Open, where he shot rounds of 72 and 73 for a total score of 145 (+1). His legacy continues to reflect a deep passion for the game and a lifetime of service to the golf community.

Born in Holland, Martin Roesink has numerous tournament accomplishments including representing Holland in the World Cup for six years. He was the Dutch Champion in 1964, 1967,1968 and 1969. Martin played on the PGA Tour for five years and then became an assistant at Skyland Pines GC. Currently the head professional at Tam O’SHanter Golf Club, Martin has won the NOPGA Assitants Championship, Section Championship, Ohio Open, Ohio Senior Open, Match Play Championship and the Senior Section Championship. He was the NOPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1994. Martin was elected to PGA membership in 1982 and has served two terms on the Section’s Board of Directors . He and his wife, Donna, have two children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bernie Haas was a lifelong golf professional known for his skill, service, and gentlemanly spirit. Born in Lancaster, Ohio, on February 12, 1934, Bernie was a standout athlete who turned professional after a summer assistant job at Lancaster Country Club and service in the U.S. Army, where he ran the golf club at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan.
His career spanned some of the country’s top clubs, including Burning Tree in Washington, D.C.—where he gave lessons to then-Vice President Richard Nixon—Philadelphia Country Club, where he won the 1961 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, and Pittsburgh Field Club, where he set a course record of 61. He also served as Head Pro at Acacia Country Club, Rend Lake Golf Club, and owned Cassadaga Golf Club in New York.

Later, he spent 13 years as Director of Instruction at Chautauqua Golf Club, where he enjoyed reconnecting with students and friends. Bernie played in six PGA Opens (winning four), four National PGA Championships, and both senior major championships. He was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1995.
A true ambassador for the game, Bernie was admired not only for his accomplishments but for his kindness, humility, and deep love of teaching. His greatest joy was seeing others enjoy the game—whether for fun or competition.

Larry Fink was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1995 in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the game of golf in the region. Though much of his career remains undocumented publicly, his inclusion in the Hall of Fame reflects the lasting impact he made—likely through years of dedicated service, mentorship, and leadership at the club level. His legacy continues to be honored by the Northern Ohio PGA and those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Bill Barbour has been around the game of golf his entire life. He grew up in Brecksville, Ohio, learning under his father, the head PGA professional at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course from 1939 to 1974. Those early years taught Bill not only about golf, but also the values that would guide his life and career.
In 1976, chasing a dream of owning his own 18-hole course, Bill moved to Mount Vernon and purchased Irish Hills—then a 9-hole course—with a vision to grow it into something more.

He built Irish Hills on three principles passed down from his father: always put people first, work hard for what matters, and know your why. For Bill, that “why” has always been a love for the game and the community it creates.

Today, he continues to carry forward a legacy built on relationships, dedication, and a deep passion for golf.

Hans Merrell was a skilled competitor in the Northern Ohio golf scene, capturing the Northern Ohio PGA Professional Championship in 1955. Though not officially listed as a Hall of Fame inductee, his name remains etched in golf history for an unforgettable moment during the 1959 Bing Crosby Pro-Am at Cypress Point, where he famously recorded a 19 on the par-3 16th hole after a series of struggles in the ice plant and sand. Despite that infamous score, Merrell’s accomplishments—particularly his section championship—reflect his talent and impact within the game. His legacy lives on as both a champion and a colorful figure in professional golf history.

Howard E. Morrette was a distinguished PGA professional whose career spanned several decades, leaving a significant impact on the golf community in Ohio.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Morrette began his golfing journey as a caddy at Bay View Park Golf Course at the age of 10. He later became the head professional at Twin Lakes Country Club in Kent, Ohio, where he served for 30 years. During his tenure, he was known for his dedication to the game and his commitment to developing young talent.

In 1972, Morrette was honored with the PGA Golf Professional of the Year award, recognizing his exemplary service and contributions to the sport. He was also inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1993, further cementing his legacy in the golfing community. Beyond his professional achievements, Morrette was a veteran of World War II and a member of the United Methodist Church of Kent. He passed away on February 8, 1983, at the age of 57. Morrette’s dedication to the game and his community has left a lasting legacy in Ohio’s golfing history.

Don Perne, born in Lansing, Michigan, was a distinguished golf professional whose career spanned over four decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the golf community. Perne’s passion for the game began at Michigan State University, where he played golf all four years and served as team captain in 1951. Upon graduation, he began his professional career in 1953 as the head professional at St. Clair River Country Club in St. Clair, Michigan, where he quickly made a name for himself by setting a course record of 61.

During his time at St. Clair, Perne’s talent caught the attention of the PGA Tour, and the club sponsored him to travel and compete on tour. He also began winning numerous PGA Section events, establishing himself as one of the top professionals in the region. In 1964, Perne became the head professional at Shaker Heights Country Club in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where he would stay for a decade, later serving as the general manager and director of golf for an additional three years. In 1975, Perne earned the distinction of becoming the sixth PGA Master Professional, a prestigious designation that recognizes the highest level of achievement in golf instruction and leadership. His commitment to teaching and mentoring others was evident throughout his career, and he was a sought-after instructor at PGA business schools. In 1981, he became the head professional and director of golf at the historic Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. Under his leadership, Inverness’s caddy program was regarded as one of the top programs in the country and served as a model for the Evans Scholars Foundation and other similar programs.

During his tenure at Inverness, Perne played a key role in the club’s hosting of prestigious events, including the 1986 and 1993 PGA Championships. He was also an active contributor to the broader golf community, serving on the education committees of four different PGA sections and winning the Horton Smith Award for his “outstanding and continuing contributions to PGA education.” One of Perne’s most significant contributions to the game was the founding of the Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, in 1975. Perne dedicated years to developing the curriculum and internship program that made Ferris State a leader in preparing students for careers in the golf industry. The program became a model for over 20 PGA-accredited programs across the country. In recognition of his efforts, Ferris State awarded Don an honorary Doctorate in 2009. Throughout his career, Don Perne earned numerous awards and honors from the PGA sections he was a member of and was widely known as “the golf professional’s golf professional.” His dedication to the game, his contributions to golf education, and his influence on the next generation of golf professionals have left a lasting legacy in the sport.

George F. Bigham, known as the “Dean of Northern Ohio Golf,” George F. Bigham devoted his life to the game and its values. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, George had an extraordinary playing career, competing in 60 PGA Tour events from 1955 to 1957—making the cut in all 60. He also played in three U.S. Opens and three U.S. Amateurs, and was paired with golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

A Life Member of the PGA of America and a 60-year member, George served as club professional at the Oakwood Club for over 35 years, earning Honorary Lifetime Membership. His awards include being named Northern Ohio Teacher of the Year in 1991, his induction into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1992, and his recognition as a “Legend of Golf” by the Northern Ohio PGA in 2000.

George mentored countless golf assistants, teaching them the game and the values of a good life. He co-founded the Blind Golf Program with the Cleveland Sight Center and was a dedicated supporter of The First Tee of Cleveland, shaping young lives through golf since 1999.A philanthropist, teacher, and true gentleman, George’s passion, service, and legacy continue to inspire.

Al Espinosa (1891–1957) was a trailblazing Mexican-American professional golfer who made a lasting impact on the game. Born on March 24, 1891, in Monterey, California, Espinosa served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army before turning professional in 1921. Over the next several decades, he won 19 PGA Tour titles, along with 10 additional professional victories. Espinosa’s achievements included victories at key tournaments such as the 1930 Houston Open and the 1934 Miami International Four-Ball, where he partnered with Denny Shute. He also became the first player to win the Mexican Open four times, claiming the title in 1944, 1945, 1946, and 1947. His strong performances in major championships included finishing as runner-up in the final match of both the 1928 PGA Championship and the 1929 U.S. Open. Espinosa also competed in four Masters Tournaments and represented the United States on three Ryder Cup teams (1927, 1929, and 1931), establishing himself as a top competitor on the international stage. From 1931 to 1944, Espinosa was the head professional at Portage Country Club in Akron, Ohio, where he won the Ohio Open three times (1932, 1933, and 1936). His contributions to the growth of the game in Akron were significant, and he was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 1957, the same year he passed away at the age of 65.

Espinosa’s legacy is marked by his skill, leadership, and dedication to the game. As one of the first Mexican-American golfers to make his mark on the PGA Tour, he helped pave the way for future generations of golfers. His accomplishments on the course and his role in promoting the sport continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Bobby Nichols is an American professional golfer known for his success on the PGA Tour during the 1960s and 1970s. Born on March 4, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky, Nichols developed an interest in golf at a young age. He attended the University of Kentucky, where he played on the golf team and later turned professional in 1958. Nichols achieved his most notable career victory in 1964 when he won the prestigious PGA Championship, one of golf’s four major championships. This victory marked a pinnacle in his career, earning him widespread recognition in the golfing world. Nichols’ win at the PGA Championship also cemented his place in golf history as one of the sport’s top competitors during that era. Throughout his career, Nichols won a total of 14 PGA Tour titles, with his success extending beyond the PGA Championship. He was known for his consistent play and for being a strong competitor in both major championships and regular tour events. Nichols was part of a talented generation of golfers, often competing alongside the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. While his career was marked by solid performances, he was never able to capture another major championship after his PGA win, but he continued to be a strong presence on the tour throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Beyond his playing career, Nichols was also involved in course design and golf instruction, sharing his expertise with future generations of golfers. Over the years, he remained active in the game through appearances and teaching, influencing the development of golf courses and helping golfers improve their skills. Nichols’ contributions to the sport of golf, both on and off the course, have earned him a respected place in the history of the game.Today, Bobby Nichols is remembered as one of the most accomplished golfers of his era, and his victory at the 1964 PGA Championship remains a standout moment in his distinguished career.

Charlie Sifford was a pioneering African American golfer who broke racial barriers in the sport during the mid-20th century. Born on June 2, 1922, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sifford developed an interest in golf while working as a caddy at local golf courses. He faced racial prejudice and exclusion, but his talent and determination led him to become the first African American to earn a PGA Tour card in 1961, a significant achievement in a time when Black players were restricted from competing in many professional events. Sifford’s success on the course included winning two PGA Tour events: the 1967 and 1969 Greater Hartford Open. He also became a prominent figure in the struggle for racial equality in golf. Despite the challenges he faced, Sifford’s resilience and skill paved the way for future generations of African American golfers. In recognition of his achievements, Sifford was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004. His legacy transcends his victories on the course, as he played a critical role in reshaping the sport and making it more inclusive. Sifford’s journey was not just about winning tournaments but about breaking down social and racial barriers in a game that had long been dominated by white players. He passed away on February 3, 2015, but remains a key figure in the history of golf.

Robert H. Hamrich, Sr. was a celebrated figure in the world of golf, remembered not only for his passion and skill but also for his dedication to teaching and growing the game. A Master PGA Golf Professional, Bob served as the head golf pro at Mayfield Country Club from 1968 to 1977, during which time he solidified his reputation as one of Northern Ohio’s most respected golf professionals. His accolades speak to a lifelong commitment to excellence in the sport: he was named Northern Ohio Professional of the Year in 1974, inducted into the Brush Hall of Fame in 1977, and honored by Ohio Golfer Magazine’s Hall of Fame in 1985. A visionary instructor, Bob was recognized as one of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Teachers in America” in 1996—a testament to his impact on golfers nationwide.

Over his career, Bob authored more than 100 published articles and instructional golf tips. He was a sought-after teacher at golf schools across New York, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio, and ran the Bob Hamrich Golf School in Cleveland from 1985 to 1998. Bob was also a pioneer in adaptive golf, helping establish the first U.S. golf teaching program for the blind and visually impaired in Northern Ohio through his work with the Cleveland Sight Center.

A passionate competitor as well, Bob achieved 10 holes-in-one and one double eagle in his lifetime. He also served as President of the Northern Ohio PGA Seniors, further exemplifying his leadership and dedication to the game.

Robert H. Hamrich, Sr.’s legacy endures in the countless players he taught, inspired, and championed—especially those in junior golf and among golfers with disabilities.

Harold D. Paddock Jr. (1920–2000) was a distinguished amateur golfer from Cleveland, Ohio, known for his significant contributions to the sport in northern Ohio. He won the Ohio Amateur Championship twice, in 1948 and 1950, and was a member of the victorious U.S. Walker Cup team in 1951. After his successful amateur career, Paddock turned professional in 1953, competing in major tournaments including the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. Beyond his playing career, he was involved in the operation of the Aurora Country Club and the Moreland Hills Country Club in the Cleveland area. In recognition of his impact on golf in the region, Paddock was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1990, joining other notable figures such as Larry Shute, Henry Picard, and Joe Guysick. His legacy continues to be remembered for both his achievements on the course and his contributions to the golfing community.

Frank Stranahan was a distinguished American amateur golfer from Toledo, Ohio, renowned for his remarkable achievements in the sport and his enduring legacy in the golfing community. Born in Toledo, Stranahan learned the game at the prestigious Inverness Club, where he received lessons from Byron Nelson, who was the club’s professional from 1940 to 1944.

Stranahan’s early success in golf was notable, claiming the Toledo District Junior Championship in 1940, and going on to win the Ohio Amateur Championship in both 1941 and 1942. His career took a brief pause during World War II, where he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.
After the war, Stranahan returned to the game with exceptional success, winning 51 amateur titles over his career. He captured the Pan-American Amateur Championship in 1945, and went on to claim multiple victories in prestigious tournaments, including the North/South Amateur Championship (1946, 1949, 1952), Western Amateur Championship (1946, 1949, 1951, 1952), and Mexican Amateur Championship (1946, 1948, 1951). He also won the Canadian Amateur Championship in 1947 and 1948, and the British Amateur Championship in 1948 and 1950. Stranahan was named to the All-American Amateur team every year from 1948 to 1953, and he represented the U.S. in the World Amateur Championship from 1950 to 1954.

In addition to his many amateur wins, Stranahan had notable performances in major professional tournaments. He finished as the runner-up in the 1947 Masters, and in both the 1952 and 1953 British Opens. He also won the Ohio Open in 1948, 1960, and 1961, as well as the Toledo Open in 1954 and 1963, further cementing his reputation as one of the top golfers of his era.

Stranahan’s impact on the game extends beyond his victories. In 1973, the Toledo Junior Golf Association established the Frank Stranahan “Player of the Year Award” in his honor, an award presented annually to a rising star in the Toledo golfing community.
Frank Stranahan’s contributions to golf and his achievements as an amateur player have left a lasting mark on the sport. His legacy is celebrated not only for his victories but for the spirit and dedication he brought to the game.

Larry Shute (1932–2020) was a highly regarded golf professional and owner of Bluffton Golf Club, where he made significant contributions to the game both locally and regionally. Born in Cleveland to Herman and Bernice Shute, Larry’s career spanned several decades and was marked by numerous accolades, coaching achievements, and leadership roles.

Larry was the owner of Bluffton Golf Club from 1971 to 1989, during which he helped grow the course’s reputation and foster a strong community of golfers. He was also the golf coach at Bluffton College for several years, guiding student-athletes with his knowledge and passion for the game.

Over his distinguished career, Shute earned numerous awards and recognitions. In 1978, he was named Northern Ohio PGA Professional of the Year and Hoosier-Buckeye Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 1986, he was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati PGA Hall of Fame, and the following year, he was honored as the PGA Section Professional of the Year. Shute also served as President of the Ohio Association of Public Golf Courses in 1987, advocating for the interests of public golf courses across the state.

In recognition of his career contributions, Larry received the Tennessee PGA Distinguished Career Award in 2007, with a plaque dedicated to him in the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Larry Shute passed away on May 3, 2020, at the age of 88 in Bayside Nursing Home, Pensacola, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the game of golf and the communities he served throughout his life. His awards and leadership continue to inspire golfers and professionals in the sport today.

Henry Picard, a highly respected figure in the world of golf, grew up caddying and honing his game at Plymouth Country Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts. His journey into the professional ranks began early when, at just 18 years old, he became the assistant golf professional at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1925. His passion for the game saw him balance both his duties as a golf professional and his commitment to competing in professional events.

Picard’s career reached a major milestone in 1934 when he triumphed in the North and South Open at Pinehurst, defeating Horton Smith by three shots. This victory set the stage for his next opportunity, as he soon represented Hershey Country Club, transitioning to compete full-time on the PGA Tour. Over his five-year career on tour, Picard won 25 times, including prestigious victories at the 1938 Masters and the 1939 PGA Championship. In 1939, he dominated the tour, winning six times and finishing as the leading money winner, earning the title of “King of the Hill.”

Picard’s success on the course was matched by his ability as a golf instructor and professional. After his peak playing years, Henry was offered the head professional position at Canterbury Golf Club in 1945, a role that would define his career off the course. In 1957, he was also given the opportunity to become the head professional at the exclusive Seminole Golf Club in North Palm Beach, FL. Picard managed both roles, splitting his time between Canterbury and Seminole until 1964, and ultimately retiring at Seminole in 1973.

Throughout his career, Picard earned a reputation not only for his impressive playing record but also for his contributions to the development of the game. His legacy as a player and golf professional endures, and he remains a respected figure in golf history.

Joe Guysick was a respected PGA professional who made significant contributions to the Northern Ohio golf community. He is notably recognized as one of the inaugural inductees into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1989, alongside other luminaries such as Larry Shute, Henry Picard, and Denny Shute .

In addition to his induction into the Hall of Fame, Guysick’s legacy is further honored through the Stark County Amateur Golf Hall of Fame. His influence extended beyond his professional achievements; he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of young golfers in the region. For instance, Dave Cavalier, a member of the Stark County Amateur Golf Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017, began his golfing journey under Guysick’s mentorship. Cavalier worked in the bag room at Congress Lake Country Club at the age of thirteen, putting in over 50 hours a week, and caddied for Guysick on Mondays during Northern Ohio PGA events. While specific details about Guysick’s tenure and achievements are limited, his induction into both the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame and the Stark County Amateur Golf Hall of Fame underscores his lasting impact on the sport and the community.

Bertie Wey was a prominent golf professional and course designer who had a significant impact on the game. He served as the head professional at Mayfield Country Club from 1911 to 1952, where he also designed the course. Wey was responsible for the design and construction of The Westwood Country Club and designed numerous other courses, including Chardon Lakes Golf Course, Black Brook Golf Course, Aurora Golf Club, Euclid Golf Club, J.E. Good Park Golf Course, Detroit Golf Club, and The Country Club of Detroit.

Wey’s skill as a golfer was evident when he finished second in the 1899 National Open, and he continued playing competitively well into his mid-80s. Notably, he also designed the South Course at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, which opened in 1929. His legacy as both a player and designer remains an important part of golf history.

Ralph Bond, a PGA member for over 50 years, was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1988 in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the game of golf. Throughout his career, he was known not only as a respected golf professional but also as a steady presence behind the scenes, supporting PGA events and mentoring others in the industry. His contributions to the Northern Ohio golf community left a lasting impact, and he remained committed to the sport well into his later years. Bond passed away in 2007 at the age of 93, remembered fondly by his family, friends, and fellow professionals for his enduring passion and service to the game.

Herman Lang was a respected golf professional whose career spanned several decades and saw him leave a lasting impact on the game. Born with a passion for golf, Lang began his journey at just 11 years old, caddying at Sylvania Country Club. By the time he was 14, he moved on to caddying at the prestigious Highland Meadows Golf Club, where his talent and dedication to the sport became evident.

Lang’s involvement in the golf business grew as he worked in the pro shop under head professional Duke Snyder. When Snyder moved on, Lang became an assistant to Jimmy Cromb, who succeeded Snyder. At the young age of 20, Lang was promoted to head professional at Highland Meadows Golf Club after Cromb left, marking the beginning of his distinguished career.

In 1941, Lang furthered his experience by joining Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, as an assistant professional under the legendary Byron Nelson. He briefly played on the PGA Tour in the fall of 1941, showcasing his skills on the national stage, but his career was interrupted by World War II. Lang served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946, after which he returned to Highland Meadows as head professional.

Lang’s contributions to golf continued to grow, and in 1966, he took on the prestigious role of head professional at Inverness Club, a position he held for many years. Throughout his career, he also hosted significant tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Open, further cementing his reputation as a respected figure in the golfing world.

Lang’s career is remembered for his dedication to the game, his role in shaping the careers of future golfers, and his leadership at two of Ohio’s premier golf clubs. His journey from caddy to head professional is a testament to his commitment to the sport and his enduring legacy in the golf community.

Tommy Armour, a Scottish-born golfer, is remembered as one of the sport’s great champions, achieving a remarkable career on both the PGA Tour and as a golf instructor. Armour made history as the third golfer to claim the prestigious titles of the U.S. Open (1927), the British Open (1931), and the PGA Championship (1930) in his career, cementing his legacy among golf’s elite.

Armour’s career included 25 PGA Tour victories, including the 1929 Western Open, a tournament regarded as a major championship during that era. He also triumphed in three Canadian Opens, adding to his impressive resume. Known for his competitive spirit and consistency, he was a dominant figure in the world of golf throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

Later in his career, Armour transitioned to becoming a leading golf instructor. He briefly owned the Tam O’Shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield but left in 1933 to work at the prestigious Medinah Country Club in suburban Chicago. His passion for teaching golf was evident as he also authored two instructional books and a syndicated newspaper column, sharing his knowledge and expertise with countless golfers around the world.

Armour’s influence on the game extended far beyond his playing days, and his contributions to golf remain significant. His legacy as a skilled player, teacher, and author has ensured that Tommy Armour’s name endures in the history of the sport.

William “Billy” Burkowski, born in Union City, Connecticut, went on to become one of the most successful golfers in PGA Tour history. Known for his resilience and skill, Burke won the Ohio Open four times (1938, 1939, 1945, 1955) and enjoyed a successful career that spanned several decades.

His golfing career was marked by a remarkable victory at the 1931 U.S. Open at Inverness, where he made history by becoming the first person to win a major using steel-shafted clubs. Burke’s triumph was particularly notable as he triumphed over George Von Elm in the longest 72-hole playoff in U.S. Open history. A key figure in the early days of the PGA Tour, Burke captured 10 tour victories, and was a consistent contender, finishing third in the Masters in 1934 and 1939.

In addition to his individual accomplishments, Burke was a standout member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, going undefeated in 1931 and 1933. His contributions to the game were recognized with induction into the PGA Hall of Fame in 1963. He continued to impact the sport even after his playing career, serving as a golf instructor at the Country Club for nearly three decades before retiring in 1963. A true pioneer in the game, Burke’s legacy as a trailblazer for steel-shafted clubs, his clutch performances in major championships, and his role as a valued Ryder Cup player solidify his place as one of the legends of golf.

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.

Herman Keiser (born 1917 in Missouri) was an accomplished American golfer known for his success on the PGA Tour and his contributions to the sport as a golf professional. Keiser’s career began as an assistant golf professional at Portage Country Club in Akron, Ohio, where he worked under renowned pro Al Espinosa from 1939 to 1940. He then became the head professional at Firestone Country Club, where he made a significant impact on the game.

Keiser’s greatest achievement came in 1946 when he won the prestigious Masters Tournament, one of the sport’s four major championships. In addition to his Masters victory, he had a highly successful season that year, winning the Knoxville Invitational, the Richmond Invitational, and finishing as the runner-up at both the Phoenix Open and the Greensboro Open. He was also a member of the 1947 U.S. Ryder Cup team, contributing to Team USA’s victory in that year’s competition.

Over the course of his career, Keiser earned seven PGA Tour victories, including a remarkable 60 at the Akron District Open at Portage Country Club, which cemented his reputation as one of the game’s top players.

Keiser’s contributions to the game were recognized in 1994 when he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements both on and off the course. His career remains a testament to his skill, professionalism, and lasting impact on golf.

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.

Byron Nelson was one of the most accomplished and influential golfers of the 20th century. Born in 1912, he became a dominant force on the PGA Tour in the 1940s, winning numerous tournaments and major championships. Nelson’s career highlights include winning the U.S. Open in 1939, the Masters in 1937 and 1942, and the PGA Championship in 1940 and 1945. He also set a remarkable record in 1945, winning 11 consecutive tournaments, including prestigious events like the Miami Tour-Ball, the Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Atlanta, and Montreal Opens, the Philadelphia Enquirer Invitational, the Chicago Open, and the Canadian Open.

In addition to his major victories, Nelson was a consistent performer throughout his 14 years on tour, with numerous regional wins, including the Ohio Open (1940-1942) and the Toledo Open (1940-1943). His success helped shape the game of golf during the era, and his extraordinary 1945 season is considered one of the greatest in the history of the sport.

Off the course, Nelson had a significant impact on the golf community. In the 1940s, he became the club professional at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, where he furthered his legacy as a mentor to aspiring golfers and contributed to the growth of the game. Nelson was also a runner-up in several major championships, including the 1946 U.S. Open, the Masters in 1941 and 1947, and the PGA Championships in 1939, 1941, and 1944.

Nelson’s career was not just defined by his victories but by his sportsmanship and professionalism. He was one of the first golfers to achieve widespread fame, and his influence continues to resonate in the sport today.