Upper Arlington, Ohio – With the sunlight fading to the west and the wind finally still after a brisk and turbulent two days, Bob Sowards, PGA stroked in a three foot putt like it was a normal afternoon practice session – straight forward, no stress, and added another championship to his incredibly crowded trophy cabinet.
Sowards is the 2024 Southern Ohio PGA Tour Championship winner thanks to that two-putt par on the first playoff hole at Scioto Country Club. Jeff Olson, PGA, lipped out his matching par putt on that playoff hole, ending a tough closing stretch in the second and final day of play. Chase Wilson, finished solo third behind Olson.
Bob Sowards, PGA, tees off in the elements during the first round at Scioto Country Club.
“I don’t know if I play golf because I love it,” said Sowards. “I love the competition. That’s the only reason I play. I just despise losing.”
The second round at Scioto was decidedly better weather than the first. The scores were not. Despite the hail coming in sideways at times, the field was almost two shots better the first day. Scioto had teeth in the second round.
“That might be the hardest golf course I’ve ever played,” said Sowards after the second round.
“Including the majors.”
Jeff Olson, PGA, chips just off the back of #18 green in the final round at Scioto Country Club.
The victory keeps the 2024 momentum rolling for the Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club, who was victorious earlier this year at the 79th SOPGA Professional Championship at TPC River’s Bend. Not bad for a guy who had knee replacement surgery in March. Now it’s time to prepare for the 2025 PGA Professional National Championship in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a tournament he won in 2004.
“I’m still trying to compete on a national level. I know that course well,” said Sowards. “I’ll be doing a lot of working out and speed training before I get there.”
Jeff Olson’s second-place finish came after a tough closing stretch. Members at Scioto say that no leads are safe standing on 14 tee and that was unfortunately the case for Olson who closed with four bogeys on the final five holes to come back to the field. Olson will also be heading to Port St. Lucie for the PGA Professional National Championship.
Scioto Country Club brought out its best playing conditions again this year, playing firm and fast despite a wet start to the fall season. The greens were lightning. Director of Golf Joe Falardeau, PGA, along with Bob Becker, Director of Grounds and Tristan Myers, Superintendent, gave the field exceptional playing conditions and provided first-rate hospitality.
Sowards defeated Jeff Olson, PGA, with a par on the first playoff hole.
For complete tournament results, click here.
Click here for a link to the media gallery of the tournament.