COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Golf Association announced the class of 2022 to be inducted into the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame.
The Ohio Golf Hall of Fame strives to recognize outstanding achievements of Ohioans who play or support the game of golf. The Hall of Fame was founded in 1992 and its members include Jack Nicklaus, Bob Hope, Tammie Green, John Cook and Ben Curtis among others. (Hall of Fame Inductees by year at the bottom of this release).
The induction ceremony will be held at Plum Brook CC, in Sandusky, Ohio on Monday, August 1. Plum Brook CC is also the host of the annual Ohio Senior Amateur Hall of Fame Tournament, showcasing the banquet dinner and ceremony. Tickets for the dinner and ceremony may be purchased by calling the Ohio Golf Association at 614-698-0014.
Bob Sowards is a member of the PGA of America. Sowards has played in 41 PGA Tour events including 11 PGA Championships and was a member of the PGA Tour in 2008. Sowards has also played in 76 Korn Ferry Tour events and was a member of the Korn Ferry tour in 1998, 2004, 2009. Sowards was PGA of America National Club Professional Player of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2014, PGA of America National Club Professional Champion in 2004. Sowards has won the PGA of America National Senior Club Professional Player of the Year in 2018, 2019 and 2021 along with the PGA of America National Senior Club Professional Champion in 2018. Sowards is an 18-time PGA of America Southern Ohio Section Player of the Year and a 10 time PGA of America Southern Ohio Section Champion. Sowards has won three Ohio Open Championships and three Senior Ohio Open Championships. Sowards was the Co-Champion of the AA Ohio High School State Championship in 1986. Sowards is a member of the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame.
Gary Taylor attended Lakewood High School and continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University. Taylor enlisted in the Army from 1967-1970 and is a Vietnam Veteran. Taylor has been married to Linda (McGill) Taylor for 46 years. Taylor began his career in golf in 1974 working at Tates Creek GC while he was a student. In 1976 and 1977 Taylor was the Assistant Professional under PGA member Don Shock at Columbus CC. In 1978 Taylor was the Assistant Professional at Marietta CC under Bernie Wentis. Taylor became the Head Golf Professional at Miami Shores GC in 1979 and continued through the 1980 season before moving onto Marysville CC from 1981-1984 and Oakhurst CC from 1985-1986. In December of 1986 Taylor was hired as the Head Golf Professional at Columbus CC following the retirement of Don Shock. Taylor remained the Head Golf Professional through his retirement in 2013. Following his retirement Columbus CC named their Annual Member Guest, The Taylor Cup.During his 37 years as an active PGA member, Taylor served the Southern Ohio PGA Board holding the positions of Secretary, Vice President, and President during his time. Taylor was also the Vice President and President of the Columbus chapter of the SOPGA. Taylor served on the PGA of America’s National Board of Directors as District five director from 1993-1995. Taylor is a four-time Horton Smith Award Winner for continuing education, a two time SOPGA Professional of the Year. Since retirement Taylor has served as a starter and official for Ohio Golf Association Championships and Society of Seniors Championships. Taylor is a member of the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame.
For more information regarding the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame or the Ohio Senior Amateur Hall of Fame Tournament, contact the Ohio Golf Association at 614-698-0014.
This release was provided by the Ohio Golf Association. Click here to learn more about the Allied Association and the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame.