(Cincinnati, OH) – A “Bob” has claimed the title in the Southern Ohio PGA Professional Championship every year since 2018. That trend continues for yet another year though this time, it was Bob Stephens claiming the title.
Stephens, the Head Professional at Sycamore Creek Country Club in Springboro, OH, posted a two-under 68 on Thursday to claim his first Southern Ohio PGA major championship. In doing so, he ended the streak of six consecutive championships for Bob Sowards.
“I just got off the course ten minutes ago so it hasn’t sunk in yet,” noted Stephens after the round. “This is such an honor especially with the fields we have now on the senior side of our section. We have tremendous players! I’m overwhelmed and it’s just a blessing.”
Stephens made five birdies during his round after opening with a bogey at the first. His round was highlighted by a birdie at the par-3 9th and another at the par-3 18th, the latter which slammed the door on the field to claim a two-stroke victory.
Anthony Andrews, Head Professional at Blue Ash Golf Course and Barry Hinckley, Head Professional at Jefferson Golf and Country Club, finished tied for second place with rounds of even-par 70. Andrews at one point held a two-stroke lead but an untimely double bogey at the 17th ended his chances of claiming the title.
The top five players advanced to the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort on September 26-29. Additionally, Bob Sowards, the Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club, is exempt based on his victory in the 2018 and 2023 national championships.
Sowards finished in a tie for fourth with Sam Arnold, the General Manager at the Vineyard Golf Course. Both players posted one-over 71. Joining them in qualifying and coming in sixth place was Chad Ammer, Assistant Professional at Maketewah Country Club who finished with a two-over 73.
The championship was shortened to 18 holes after overnight round caused the course to be unplayable for the first round.
The top 35 finishers in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship will earn a spot in the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2025, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.