(Maineville, OH) – Bob Sowards ran out of fingers to count his victories when he claimed his record eleventh Southern Ohio PGA Professional at TPC River’s Bend on Tuesday.

Sowards, the PGA Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club, posted a final round 72 to earn a three shot victory.

“It’s awesome to win this event again,” Sowards said shortly after hoisting the trophy. “It’s been a while and I haven’t won this since it went to 54 holes. I had a chip on my shoulder and I really wanted to prove to myself that I could (still do it at 56 years old).”

Sowards knew that consistency was going to be critical this week. He posted rounds of 69 and 72 during Monday’s first two rounds. His plan came to fruition during the final round as he made 14 pars, two birdies and two bogeys. For the week, Sowards led the field in making par or better on the demanding TPC River’s Bend.

“I just played as conservatively as I could all week,” he noted. “If I needed to turn it up, I thought I could but I never really changed my gameplan.”

Sowards’ first victory in this championship came in 1996 when he was working as an Assistant Professional at Muirfield Village Golf Club. He has since claimed more titles in the event than anyone else, besting Bob Kepler, the longtime Ohio State University Head Coach who claimed four titles.

Sowards opened the final round tied with Chase Wilson, PGA, after both posted three-under 141. Wilson, the Director of Instruction at Columbus Country Club, hung tough but struggled through the middle of his round with a double at the par-3 7th and a triple at the par-4 10th. He did mount a strong charge late as he made three consecutive birdies beginning at the par-4 14th. Wilson went on to finish at even-par 216 to claim second place. 

Dave Bahr, PGA, the Head Professional at Maketewah Country Club and a three-time champion, posted rounds of 76-68-73 – 217 to finish in third place. 

The top five finishers in the 79th Southern Ohio PGA Professional Championship will qualify for the 2025 PGA Professional National Championship scheduled to be played April 27-30, 2025 at PGA Golf Club.

Sowards was already exempt into the Championship based on his victory in the 2004 PGA Professional Championship. Joining him in qualifying was Wilson and Bahr. Also qualifying was Jeff Olson, PGA, General Manager at The Golf Club of Dublin, Sam Arnold, PGA, General Manager at the Vineyard Golf Course and Mike Auterson, PGA, Head Professional at Hickory Woods Golf Course.

Thank you to TPC River’s Bend and their PGA Professional Staff (Michelle Lipka, General Manager, Brian Conner, Head Professional) for hosting the championship.

For the complete results, please click here.