(Fairborn, OH) – Ray Rash, a 40-year member of the PGA of America has been elected into the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame.
Rash began his career working in upstate New York but spent most of his professional career serving clubs in the Miami Valley. He was an Assistant Professional at Dayton Country Club and NCR Country Club under Hall of Famer’s Jim Gilbert and Jeff Steinberg. Rash went on to spend 20 years at the Head Professional at Miami Valley Golf Club in Dayton, OH.
While at Miami Valley Golf Club, Rash had a significant impact on his fellow professionals. He taught and mentored Brian Tyra, Ben Stewart and Colin Miller, all who went on to lead as Head Professionals at noteworthy clubs in the Dayton area and beyond. He also gave back to the Dayton Chapter and Southern Ohio PGA by serving on numerous committees and hosting various tournaments at his club.
Rash was recognized for his accomplishments as he was awarded the Golf Professional of the Year in Southern Ohio in 1994. He also claimed the Merchandise of the Year (Private) in 1988 and Professional Development Award in 1996.
Bill Wood, the longtime Head Professional at Cincinnati Country Club has been chosen to receive the Legacy Award. The Legacy Award honors prominent SOPGA Members who have shown exemplary devotion and commitment to enhancing the well-being of the Southern Ohio PGA.
Wood spent 54 years at Cincinnati Country Club, 37 of those years leading as the PGA Head Professional. 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 eminent Cincinnati facility. Along the way he 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.
Gail Hauer has been named the Lifetime Achievement Award Winner in recognition of her tremendous contributions to the game of golf as an amateur in the Southern Ohio PGA community.
Hauer was introduced to the game by her husband, Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame Member Bob Hauer. While he was the Head Professional at Crest Hills Country Club in Cincinnati, Gail worked inside managing the merchandise and shop staff for over 30 years. She also played a key role in the organization of junior golf and fundraising events in the area with influential partners giving back to the community through golf. Hauer has experienced firsthand the development of women gaining respect in the male-dominated industry.
Throughout their 53 years of marriage, Hauer’s favorite memories in the game come from her time caddying for her husband. The couple spent the night of their wedding driving to Flagstaff, Arizona where she would caddy for her husband in the PGA Professional Championship. She has become an integral member of the Southern Ohio PGA Section community while creating relationships with the PGA Professionals on the course.
All three will be recognized on Friday, November 11, 2022 at Columbus Country Club. The Awards Dinner will be hosted beginning at 6:00pm. More information and details about registration can be found by clicking here.