Flynn Lewis isn’t the first member of his family to compete at Augusta National.
A participant in the Boys 10-11 division of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, Flynn Lewis’ grandfather Bob, was a regular presence in the Masters Tournament during the 1980’s, when he was one of America’s finest amateur golfers.
Flynn, who made it to the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club last month walked in his grandfather footsteps as Bob competed in seven Masters s and earned Low Amateur honors in 1987.
Flynn advanced to the Drive, Chip & Putt Finals for the first time via the Great Lakes regional qualifier at Scioto Country Club. He is a fifth-grader at Beacon Cove Intermediate School in Jupiter, Florida and has been playing golf, since he was three years old.
Grandpa Bob was an early golf mentor before passing away from cancer in 2021, at age of 76 and shared a lifetime of knowledge and experiences with his grandchildren.
“He used to give us a lot of golf tips and tricks,” Flynn said of his grandfather. “I’m so excited and grateful to be here for the Drive, Chip and Putt. But it’s way more special because he has been here playing in the Masters. He used to talk about the course and tell us about the holes.”
After going to Rollins College in the late 1960s, Bob Lewis turned professional and played in 47 PGA Tour events from 1971-74 before deciding to forego tour life and join his father’s steel tubing manufacturing company. Lewis regained his amateur status in 1978, that summer becoming the first amateur since Jack Nicklaus in 1957 to win the Ohio Open.
The Ohioan played in 31 USGA championships, his résumé highlighted by a runner-up finishes in the 1980 U.S. Amateur and in the U.S. Mid-Amateur in 1981 and 1984. He compiled a 10-4 record over four appearances on the winning United States Walker Cup team (1981-83-85-87) then captained the Americans in 2003 and 2005, with a victory over Great Britain & Ireland in his latter role at the helm.
Lewis’ sportsmanship and integrity were recognized when shortly before passing away he received the 2021 Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor.
“The USGA has played such an important role in my life,” Lewis said. “Many of my fondest memories in amateur golf come from representing our country both as 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.”
Flynn’s aunt Tiffany now resides in her parents’ former home in Pepper Pike. She has preserved her dad’s “golf room,” which is full of trophies and other memorabilia from Lewis’ stellar golf career, including a pair of crystal goblets he received for making an eagle on the 15th hole at his maiden Masters in 1981.
Flynn earned a total of 18 points and finished fifth in his division at the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals last month. Given his family’s heritage in golf, I expect this will not be the last we see the Lewis name at the top of leaderboards.
