FAIRBORN, OH – The Southern Ohio PGA is honored to announce that Bill Wood and Brian Jones have been elected for induction into the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame.
“I’m proud of the work our committee did this year as they have selected some of the finest PGA Professionals in Southern Ohio to join our Hall of Fame,” noted Joe Zinchini, PGA General Manager at Cincinnati Country Club and the Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee. “Bill and Brian exemplify what it means to be a consummate professional who dedicates themselves to others.”
Wood spent 54 years dedicating his time to the club and membership at Cincinnati Country Club. He started as a caddie at the ripe old age of 11 and other than a stint in the army and another as an Assistant Professional at Seminole, he spent his entire career at the Cincinnati club. Over his 37 years as the Head Professional, Bill taught and mentored 17 PGA Members who moved into roles as PGA Head Professionals or Directors of Golf.
Devoted to teaching and encouraging the next generation the fundamentals, etiquette and traditions of the game, Wood retired in 2009 from the club.
Brian Jones has spent his career devoting time to the Southern Ohio PGA and the PGA of America. He started in the industry under fellow Hall of Famer Bob Hauer at Crest Hills Country Club before joining the team at Kenwood Country Club under another Hall of Famer, Gil Gusweiler. He spent almost a decade at Hamilton Elks as the Head Professional before returning to Kenwood CC in 2012.
Jones served as a Chapter Officer before moving on to a role as Section Officer, culminating in his tenure as SOPGA President from 2011-2013. Brian went on to serve on the PGA of America Board of Directors as District 5 Director from 2019 to 2022.
Brian has been honored with the Southern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award in 2008. He has also claimed the Teacher of the Year (2018), Youth Player Development Award (2016) and Professional Development Awards (2010).
John Marchi, PGA Life Member was named the Legacy Award winner for the second time. The longtime Head Professional and General Manager at Cassel Hills Golf Course, Marchi served as President of the Southern Ohio PGA on two occasions (1996-1997 & 2000-2001). During his second term, he led the organization in a particularly difficult time navigating a change in management.
Two people were named recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Matt Lefferts and Steve Rentschler will be recognized for their commitment to the game in Southern Ohio. Lefferts is the Executive Director of the Columbus District Golf Association as well as the Ohio Golf Association. Rentschler was a longtime executive with Sterling Cut Glass who supported PGA Members in Southern Ohio and across the country.
The Hall of Fame will recognize the new inductees as well as the rest of the award winners during the Southern Ohio PGA Awards Dinner on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Montgomery Inn. For information about the event, please click here.