By Fred Altvater
In August the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame inducted two new members, Bob Sowards and Gary Taylor.
The Ohio Golf Hall of Fame dates back to 1992 and includes golfers who have made an impact on the game, plus achieved the highest levels of competition, while devoting their lives to the game of golf.
A few of the names that have been inducted into the Ohio Golf Hall Of Fame are, Jack Nicklaus, Peggy Kirk Bell, Pete Dye, Jack Grout, Tom Weiskopf, Renee Powell, John Cook, Ben Curtis, Meg Mallon and Rosie Jones
Watch the full video of the 2022 Ohio Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Back 9 Report TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUCJNfL48p4
Bob Sowards
It seems like Bob Sowards is in the news every month for winning another event. He has achieved success in both state and national events. When competitors see Bob’s name in the field, they know they are playing for second place.
His three Ohio Open Championships, along with three Ohio Senior Open Championships are strong enough credentials to earn a spot in the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame.
In addition, Sowards competed on the Korn Ferry Tour and competed on the 2008 PGA Tour. In his tour career, he played in 41 PGA Tour events, including 11 PGA Championships.
Bob was named the PGA National Club Professional Player four times and won the PGA National Club Professional Championship in 2004.
He continued to win even after he turned 50 and joined the senior ranks. He has been named the PGA National Senior Club Professional Player of the Year three times and won the National Senior Club Professional Championship in 2018.
In 2021 Bob led the Senior PGA at Southern Hills for 31 holes, eventually finishing in a tie for fifth place.
In an interesting turn of events, Sowards nearly withdrew from that 2021 Senior PGA. He wanted to see his daughter’s high school graduation the same weekend, but his wife reminded him,
“If you play well, you could pay for a year or two of college.”
That was the deciding factor, his high finish is being used for her college expenses.
Gary Taylor
Gary Taylor is a pros pro. He spent 27 years as the Head Professional at Columbus Country Club, served in Viet Nam and has been married to his wife, Linda for 46 years.
He began his club professional career an assistant first for Don Shock at Columbus Country Club and at Marietta Country Club under Bernie Wentis.
His first Head Professional job came at Miami Shores Golf Club in 1979, before moving to Marysville Country Club and then to Oakhurst Country Club.
Over the years, Shock stayed in close contact with Gary and followed his career. When Shock decided to retire in 1986, he recommended Taylor be hired as his replacement. Gary spent the rest of his career at Columbus Country Club, until he retired in 2013.
In honor of his long tenure, Columbus Country Club named their annual member-guest tournament, The Taylor Cup.
During his 37 years as a club professional and PGA member, Gary was very active in the PGA. He served as Secretary, Vice-President and President of the Southern Ohio Section of the PGA. He was also a member of the PGA’s National Board of Directors from 1993-1995.
First and foremost, Gary was always a teacher and won the Horton Smith Award on four occasions, plus was named Southern Ohio PGA Professional of the Year twice.
Since his retirement, Taylor has served as a starter and official for Ohio Golf Association Championships and Society of Seniors Championships. He was previously inducted into the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame.
