March 2021 Ohio Golf Journal

Bob Lewis To Receive Bobby Jones Award, USGA’s Highest Honor The prestigious award annually recognizes an individual who best demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones. Bob Lewis always exhibited the highest level of sportsmanship, which endeared him to teammates and opponents alike during a competitive career that spanned more than four decades. The native of Warren, Ohio, demonstrated an appreciation for the spirit of the game by showing grace in both victory and defeat. He never wavered in his personal accountability on, or off the course. Lewis joins an elite list of past recipients of this distinguished award; Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Mickey Wright, Nancy Lopez, President George H.W. Bush and Se Ri Pak are all previous award winners. “I am so deeply humbled to receive this award,” said Lewis. “To be included among such a special group of influential figures in the game, who I love and respect moves me beyond words. The USGA has played such an important role in my life. Many of my fondest memories in amateur golf come from representing our country as both a player and captain of the USA Walker Cup Team. Bob Jones was the ultimate amateur and I am truly honored to be included in his company.” Lewis’ mother taught him the game of golf, but in high school, he was a stand-out athlete in baseball and football. While enrolled at Rollins College, he dedicated himself to golf and enjoyed a full life in the game. After winning the 1968 Ohio Amateur, he tried professional golf for five years, notching one professional win. Being a tour professional did not suit him and he regained his amateur status in 1978. Since then, Lewis has been one of the most dominant amateur golfers of his era. He finished runner-up in three USGA National Championships. He lost the final match to Hal Sutton in the 1980 U.S. Amateur and also finished second in the 1981 and 1984 U.S. Mid-Amateurs. He was a member of four consecutive winning U.S. Walker Cup teams, 1981-1987 and compiled a 10-4 record. He competed on the 1982 and 1986 Eisenhower Trophy teams, was medalist for the stroke play Bobby Jones Ohio Golf Journal