LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
GENERAL INFORMATION
* Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame -- purpose:
The purpose of the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame is to honor those individuals who have
made a significant and enduring contribution to the game of golf in the greater Lehigh Valley
region; and/or have compiled an accomplished amateur or professional competitive playing
record.
Individuals inducted as golfers must have an outstanding competitive record in premiere
national, statewide, regional, and/or in local individual stroke play or match play championship
tournaments in the greater Lehigh Valley region.
Inductees must meet one of the following criteria: 1. be a Lehigh Valley native
2. be a long-term resident of the greater Lehigh Valley region for approximately 10 years
during their regional golf-related career, or 3. participate annually in multiple major
Lehigh Valley regional individual amateur golf tournaments on a long-term basis.
* Definition of the greater Lehigh Valley region:
Defined as Lehigh County, Northampton County, lower Carbon and Monroe counties, and
western Warren County, New Jersey.
* Induction philosophy:
The Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame committee inducted a six-person induction class
per year for the initial eight (8) years. Here-after, three-person classes will be inducted
per year; which will take the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame to 100 members after
25 years. The Old-Timers committee will present a person for induction in odd-numbered
years beginning in 2015 for individuals who made enduring contributions prior to 1970.
* Induction Selection Process:
1.) 2015 Ballot Nominations: Due from committee members by March 1, 2015.
Ballot selection: Nominations from the the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame committee and
the public will determine an upcoming year’s induction ballot. Approximately 6-to-12 choices -per a specific category being considered in a particular year -- will be placed on the ballot.
2.) 2015 Ballots: will be distributed to the committee and all eligible voters in April, 2015.
3.) Voting: Eligible voters include: committee members, living Lehigh Valley Golf Hall
of Fame members, and one person from each major Lehigh Valley sports media institution.
4.) 2015 Induction Class Announcement: June, 2015.
* 10 Induction Categories:
1. National & International Touring Professional Golfer 2. Touring Pro / Club Professional
3. Club Professional / Teaching Golf Professional
4. Pre-1970 Club Professional
5. Amateur Golfer
6. Senior Amateur Golfer
7. Pre-1970 Amateur Golfer
8. Media
9. Golf Coach: collegiate and high school coaches with accomplished records.
10. Contributors to the game on a regional-wide basis -- with a combination of competitive
golf accomplishments, coaching record and/or accomplishments, teaching, leadership.
* Minimum induction age: 40 years of age; during the calendar year of induction. Prior to
2012, the minimum age was 45 years of age.
* Nominations from the general public: The committee will accept nominations for future
induction to the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame. A nomination given to the committee will not
be considered unless it includes supporting documentation and a list of accomplishments
and/or contributions. Please send nominations to Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame, 2743
Saxon Street, Allentown, PA 18103. © Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Foundation, 2015
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
OLD-TIMERS COMMITTEE
Starting in 2015, the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame Old-Timers Committee will present for induction a
pre-1970 candidate for induction every odd year for at least the next 20 years (one old-timer inductee
every two years). The committee's selection will be due by February 15 of a given odd year.
Brian McCalI, a Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame committee member since it’s inception in 2004, will
serve as the chairperson of the Old-Timers committee. He will be responsible for the selection of the
Old-Timers Committee, and the process for how the committee determines an inductee. To avoid any
outside influence, the Executive Director of the Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Foundation will not
serve on the Old-Timers Committee, or participate in the old-timers inductee selection process.
The Old-Timers Committee will be responsible for:
1. researching the inductee
2. giving the supporting documentation to the Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley
3. getting pictures of the inductee
4. gathering family and supporters of the inductee to attend the induction dinner
5. presenting the inductee at the induction dinner.
A pre-1970 old-timer candidate for induction is an individual who made the majority of their enduring
contribution to golf in the greater Lehigh Valley region prior to 1970.
Inductees must meet one of the following criteria:
1. be a Lehigh Valley native; or
2. have been a long-term resident of the greater Lehigh Valley region for approximately 10 years during
their regional golf-related career; or
3. have participated in multiple major Lehigh Valley regional individual amateur golf tournaments on a
long-term basis.
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE
Karl Gilbert:
* Express-Times Golf Columnist (28 years)
* Executive Director and Co-Founder, Golf Association of the Lehigh
Valley
* Director: Lehigh Valley Junior Golf Tour
* One of four Moravian College golfers named to MAC 100 Century Team
(Since it’s founding in 1994, the Lehigh Valley Junior Golf Tour has
produced numerous men’s and women’s state high school and state
amateur champions, top amateur tournament winners, male and female
college golf scholarship recipients and collegiate golfers; high school golf
coaches, and golf industry professionals; and the first high school golfers to win the
Lehigh Valley Player of the Year award and the Lehigh Valley Amateur title).
John Kulhamer:
. Jim Muschlitz:
*
*
*
*
Class A PGA Professional
Green Pond Country Club head pro
Conducts the annual Lehigh Valley Amateur
Won the 1976 Allentown and Bethlehem amateur titles.
*
*
*
*
Class A PGA Professional
Southmoore Golf Course head pro
Four-time Lehigh Valley Amateur champion
Qualified for 1981 U.S. Amateur, 1985 U.S. Public Links
Mike Zambelli:
* Service Electric TV 2 Sports Director
* 1978 Lehigh Valley Amateur champion
* 1980 Pennsylvania State Public Links champion
Rich Kovacs:
*
*
*
*
Brian McCall:
*
*
*
*
*
Mark Wogenrich:
* Morning Call Sports Writer & Golf Columnist
Owner, Kovacs Benefits
Co-Founder, Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley
1990 Lehigh Valley Player of the Year
2005 Lehigh Valley Senior Player of the Year
President, Britech Inc.
2000 USGA Senior Open Executive Committee
2009 USGA Women’s Open Executive Committee
1995 Colonial League Golf Coach of the Year (Saucon Valley H.S.)
Member of 1972 and 1973 undefeated Saucon Valley H.S. Lehigh
Valley League golf champions. 27-0-2 match play record for three
seasons.
* Has won five flight titles at Lehigh Valley Amateur
* Chairman: Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame Old-Timers Committee
Deceased Committee Member: John Kunda (1933-2005)
* Morning Call Sports Columnist - 42 years
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
YEAR 1: CLASS OF 2004
GOLF TEACHER / CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR / CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
GOLF COACH / AMATEUR:
Morry Holland (Honorary first inductee)
Jim Booros
Robin McCool
Barry Klinikowski
Joe Hoch
Kelly Gutshall
YEAR 2: CLASS OF 2005
CLUB PROFESSIONAL / TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
Robert P. “Junie” Schoener Jr.
(represented by Rodger Zellner, Green Pond Country Club general manager)
GOLF MEDIA:
John Kunda
(represented by his twin brother, Bob Kunda)
AMATEUR:
Jim Muschlitz
AMATEUR:
Dominic Carr
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
T. Francis “Tarz” Ford
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF COACH:
Neil “Skip” Hamsher
YEAR 3: CLASS OF 2006
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
John Kulhamer
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
Debbie Massey
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
Gloria Ehret
AMATEUR:
Rich Hallman
AMATEUR:
Manny Palos
(represented by John Suter, grandson of Manny Palos)
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
Clyde Oskin
YEAR 4: CLASS OF 2007
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL / TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
CONTRIBUTOR:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
Tom Lynch
Roger Stern
Karl Gilbert
Miguel Biamon
Barry Brackenbury
Ted Beckowski
YEAR 5: CLASS OF 2008
PRE-1970 CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
Ralph Hutchison
Mike Zambelli
John Cannon
Jack Thomas
Dick Adam
Gary Hardin
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
YEAR 6: CLASS OF 2009
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
SENIOR AMATEUR:
GOLF COACH:
Wayne Phillips
Bruce Young
Ray Silnik
Harold Bilheimer
Darrell Lawson
John Makuvek
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR
AMATEUR:
WOMAN’S AMATEUR:
CONTRIBUTOR/ SENIOR AMATEUR:
Norm Schadt
John McCurry
Sal Picone
Gary Daniels
Noreen Mohler
Rich Kovacs
YEAR 8: CLASS OF 2011
CLUB PROFESSIONAL / TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR
AMATEUR:
SENIOR AMATEUR:
CONTRIBUTOR / SENIOR AMATEUR / GOLF COACH:
Jack Eckenrode
Ed Williams
Dave Blichar
Craig Scott
Tom Stitt
Fran Tusak
YEAR 9: CLASS OF 2012
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR / CONTRIBUTOR:
Tom Carter
Gene Mattare
Jeff Wambold
YEAR 10: CLASS OF 2013
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR / CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
Bob Hutnik
Dave Olexson
Mickey Sokalski
YEAR 11: CLASS OF 2014
PRE-1970 AMATEUR GOLFER:
GOLF MEDIA:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL / TEACHING PROFESSIONAL:
Leroy Klipple
Rich Lerner
Rick Kline
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
INDUCTIONS BY CATEGORIES
1. National & International Touring Professional Golfer
4
2. Club Professional / Touring Professional
3
3. Club Professional / Teaching Golf Professional
9
4. Pre-1970 Club Professional
1
5. Amateur Golfer
21
6. Senior Amateur Golfer
2
7. Pre-1970 Amateur Golfer
9
8. Media
2
9. Golf Coach: collegiate and high school coaches with accomplished & championship records, and
high levels of sportsmanship.
3
10. Contributors to the game on a regional-wide basis -- with a combination of competitive golf
accomplishments, coaching record and/or accomplishments, teaching, leadership.
3
Total: 57
* Lehigh Valley of Hall of Fame on-line section:
The Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley website (www.galvgolf.com) has a section dedicated to the
Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame.
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 11: CLASS OF 2014
PRE-1970 AMATEUR GOLFER:
GOLF MEDIA:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL / TEACHING PROFESSIONAL:
Leroy Klipple
Rich Lerner
Rick Kline
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, October 29, 2014, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Rich Lerner, Golf Channel anchor, host, reporter, essayist.
Leroy Klipple
1912 - 2005
Easton resident
Two-time Lehigh Valley Amateur champion: 1934, 1938
Was the champion of the first Lehigh Valley Amateur.
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1937, 1939, 1941
Won club championships at Harkers Hollow Golf Club.
Played in professional exhibition tournaments with Gene Sarazen at Harkers Hollow Golf Club in 1935, and with
Ben Hogan at Northampton Country Club in 1941.
YEAR 11: CLASS OF 2014
Rich Lerner, 53 (age at time of induction)
South Whitehall Township, native
Maitland, Florida resident
Temple University – 1983
Golf Channel anchor, host, reporter, essayist: 1997 – present
* PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, Champions Tour events: anchor, play-by-play
* Has covered all of golf’s four major professional championships, Ryder Cup
Host of nationally-syndicated sports talk radio show from Dallas in the 1990’s
WFMZ TV Channel 69 – Sports Director: 1984-1991
WFAN, WIP – weekend sports talk radio show host: 1980’s
Lehigh University football -- television voice of Lehigh University football in 1980’s, 1990’s
Women’s Sports Foundation Journalism Award – Se Ri Pak documentary
Telly Award – contributions to a story on 1964 U.S. Open champion Ken Venturi
Golf career:
Berkleigh Country Club – club champion: 1981, 1987
1987 LNGCA Amateur – champion
Lehigh University golf team member: 1979, 1980
Dorneyville Golf Center, located in South Whitehall Township – worked at the former golf facility as a youth, cofounded by his father.
YEAR 11: CLASS OF 2014
Rick Kline, 52 (age at time of induction)
Whitehall Township native, Fleetwood resident
Kutztown University, 1985
Owner / Head Golf Professional: Sittler Golf Center: 1995 - present.
* named one of the nation’s top 50 golf ranges, top 100 clubfitters
Purchased Sittler Golf Center -- 1992
Director of Golf / Head Golf Professional: Seaview Golf Resort, Atlantic City, NJ: 1992-1995
Assistant Golf Professional, Golf Shop Manager: Seaview Golf Resort, Atlantic City, NJ: 1985-1992
Worked at Seaview Country Club, Atlantic City, NJ: 1982-1984
Callaway Regional Club Fitter of the Year – 2012
Ping Regional Club Fitter of the Year – 2012
Top 50 Mizuno Club Fitter: 2005-2012
US Kids Teacher of the Year: 2009
Golf Digest Best Teacher in the State award - 2003, 2004
Ping Regional Club Fitter of the Year – 2002
Seaview Golf Resort, Atlantic City, NJ: Top 100 Golf Shops in America: 1989-1995
Elected PGA membership: 1989
PGA National Merchandiser of the Year, Public Facilities: 2013
Merchandiser of the Year, Philadelphia Section PGA, Public Category: 2005, 2011
Merchandiser of the Year, Philadelphia Section PGA, Resorts Category: 1992, 1994
Presidents Council of the PGA, member: 2003 - present
Head Golf Coach – Kutztown High School – 2001-2011
Whitehall High School Golf Team: 1976-1980
Kutztown University Golf Team: 1981-1985
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 10: CLASS OF 2013
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR / CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
Bob Hutnik
Dave Olexson
Mickey Sokalski
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, October 30, 2013, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Andrew Warner, President, Saucon Valley Country Club – host of the 2014 U.S. MidAmateur Championship.
Bob Hutnik, 77 (age at time of induction)
Easton, Pennsylvania native
Palmer Township resident
Easton Area High School: 1954
East Stroudsburg University: 1958
Long-time head golf professional and teaching pro in the Lehigh Valley
Head Golf Professional: Woodland Hills Country Club: 1977-1988
Head Golf Professional: Northampton Country Club: 1967-1976
Assistant Golf Professional: Northampton Country Club: 1965-1966
Assistant Golf Professional: Lehigh Country Club: 1964
Turned professional in 1964
Founded the Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners tournament in 1977
Conducted “Monday Night Golf” better ball of partners competition in the 1980’s
Club Professional Victories (Philadelphia Section PGA):
1991: Senior Pro-Junior Pro (Miguel Biamon)
1989: Philadelphia Section PGA Senior Championship
1969: Pro-Assistant Pro (Roger Stern)
* Won several tournament titles in the Philadelphia Section PGA
Club Professional Second Place Finishes:
1989: Bucks County Section event
1970: Philadelphia Open
Qualified for the 1975 PGA Tour IVB Classic
Amateur Golf Career Victories:
1961: Fox Hill Invitational (Harold Bilheimer)
YEAR 10: CLASS OF 2013
Dave Olexson, 45 (age at time of induction)
Bloomsbury, New Jersey native
Williams Township, Pennsylvania resident
Sales Consultant: WOLF Corporation (York, PA): 2009 - present
Assistant Golf Professional: Lehigh Country Club, Allentown, Pennsylvania: 2006-2009
Assistant Golf Professional: Huntingdon Valley Country Club, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania: 2004-2005
Teaching Golf Professional: 2 T’s Driving Range, Forks Township, Pennsylvania: 2003
Inside Department Manager: Fiddlers Elbow Country Club, Bedminster, New Jersey: 1996-2002
Assistant Golf Professional: Oak Hill Golf Club, Milford, New Jersey: 1993-1995
Assistant Golf Professional: Fox Hollow Golf Club, Branchburg, New Jersey: 1991-1992
Assistant Golf Professional: Bedens Brook Golf Club, Skillman, New Jersey: 1990
Book: Wrote “Breaking Par, An Uncomplicated Look into an Otherwise Complicated Game”.
Club Professional Victories (Philadelphia Section PGA):
2009: The McQuiston Pro Senior-Junior Pro Championship (with Wayne Phillips)
2009: Pro-Assistant Championship (with Wayne Phillips)
2008: Pro-Pro Championship
Club Professional Second Place finishes (Philadelphia Section PGA):
2007: Coley Pro-Am
2006: Doylestown Open
2005: William Hyndman Open, Woodcrest Open, Shawnee Open
Pocono Pro-Am Golf Series:
2008: PPGS Match Play -- champion
2006-2009: Won several Pocono Pro-Am Golf Series low professional victories
New Jersey PGA:
1993: Trenton District Pro-Scratch champion
1993: Coors Pro-Scratch champion (with Rob Bradley)
1992: Played on the Tommy Armour Mini-Tour (Florida)
Philadelphia Section PGA -- Professional Awards and Honors:
2007, 2008: Nominated for Philadelphia Section PGA Teacher of the Year
2007: Philadelphia All-Star Challenge Team
2006: Philadelphia Assistant Pro North-South Team
2006: Dick Smith Cup Team
2005: Philadelphia All-Star Challenge Team
2005: Philadelphia Section PGA Most Improved Player of the Year award
Local Amateur Golf Tournament Victories (Individual):
2002: Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions
2002: Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur
2002: Northeast Pennsylvania Match Play Championship
2000: Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur
2000: Lehigh Valley Mid-Amateur
2000: Bethlehem Golf Club Stroke Play Championship
Other Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
Donald Ross Invitational: 2014
Dave Olexson, 45 (age at time of induction)
Awards:
2002 Lehigh Valley Player of the Year
2010: inducted into the North Hunterdon Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame – Class of 2010
Other top tournament finishes:
2000: Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions – second place
United States Golf Association national championship qualifying:
2002 U.S. Mid-Amateur -- Lost in an eight-person playoff for two final qualifying spots.
College: 1987: attended Methodist University, North Carolina
High School Accomplishments – 1982-1986 -- North Hunterdon Regional High School:
1986: New Jersey Sectional champion
1986: Hunterdon County champion
1985: Hunterdon County champion
1985: New Jersey Mid-State Conference champion
1986: First Team, New Jersey Mid-State Conference
North Hunterdon Regional High School: number one player for three years.
YEAR 10: CLASS OF 2013
Mickey Sokalski, 51 (age at time of induction)
Coopersburg, Pennsylvania native
Maple Glen, Pennsylvania resident
Southern Lehigh High School: 1980
Methodist University: 1984
Head Golf Professional: Philmont Country Club, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania: 1989 - present
Assistant Golf Professional: Philmont Country Club, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania: 1988
Assistant Golf Professional: Allentown Municipal Golf Course, Allentown, Pennsylvania: 1984-1987
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Public Links: 1981 -- qualified for match play, lost in the opening round of 64
Club Professional Victories (Philadelphia Section PGA):
2010: Volunteers of America Pro-Am
2007: Senior Pro-Junior Pro (Jim Booros)
Two-time winner of the AB Thorn, Spring Meeting Pro-Pro, Fall Pro-Pro, Pro-President
Won PPGS Stroke Play Championship
2013: qualified for the National Senior Club Professional Championship
2004: Philadelphia Section PGA Most Improved Player of the Year award
Amateur Golf Tournaments:
Pennsylvania Public Links Championship: second place: 1981, 1983
College golf accomplishments:
Methodist University, Fayetteville, North Carolina: four-year team member (1980-1984)
1982, 1983, 1984 NCAA Division III All-American
Two-time Southern Athletic Conference champion
Four-time all-conference first team
Won five collegiate tournament titles
Helped lead team to four top-6 finishes in the NCAA Division III National Championships: sixth, third, third,
second.
2004: inducted into Methodist University Athletic Hall of Fame
High School Golf Accomplishments:
1979 District 11 Championship: champion
Colonial League champion: 1979
Two-time Colonial League First-Team All-Star (Southern Lehigh High School): 1978, 1979
8 career hole-in-one’s
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 9: CLASS OF 2012
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR / CONTRIBUTOR:
Tom Carter
Gene Mattare
Jeff Wambold
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Rich Kovacs. Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Foundation – Co-Founder;
2010 Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame inductee
Tom Carter, 44 (age at time of induction)
Abington, PA, and Upper Saucon Township native
Jupiter, Florida resident
Southern Lehigh High School: 1986
Temple University: 1991
Temple University Golf Team: four-year team member, number one player and team captain: 1990 and 1991,
won over 10 collegiate tournaments, Atlantic 10 All-Conference: 1987, 1988, 1990.
PGA Tour: 2003-2004
Won $500,923 on the PGA Tour
PGA Tour top-25 finishes: 4
PGA Tour starts: 45
Career Cuts Made: 22
2003 Funai Classic, Orlando, Florida: 11th place (played a round with Tiger Woods)
Nationwide Tour: 2001-2003, 2005-present
Won $779,946 on the Nationwide Tour
Nationwide Tour top-10 finishes: 19
Nationwide Tour top-25 finishes: 36
Nationwide Tour starts: 195
Career Cuts Made: 85
Three (3) Nationwide Tour victories:
2003 Samsung Canadian PGA Championship
2003 Price Cutter Charity Championship
2003 Alberta Calgary Classic
Nationwide Tour: Tour Championship – second place: 2001
Nationwide Tour: 2001 -- led driving distance stat on all pro tours
Nationwide Tour: sixth player in tour history to earn a Battlefield Promotion to the PGA Tour (three victories in a
season).
Major professional championships:
Qualified for the 2004 U.S. Open (tied for 55th place)
Professional mini-tours: 1992-2000
* won over 30 mini-tour tournaments
Turned professional in 1992
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Amateur: 1990, 1991
YEAR 9: CLASS OF 2012
Tom Carter, 44 (age at time of induction)
Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Golf Association of Philadelphia Tournament of Champions: 1991
* Old York Road Country Club Invitational: 1991
* Philadelphia Amateur: 1990
* Sandy Run Golf Club club championship: 1989, 1991
* District 11 Championship: 1985
* Colonial League Championship: 1985
* Allentown Mayor’s Trophy Tournament: 1985
* District 11 Tennis Doubles Championship: 1986
YEAR 9: CLASS OF 2012
Matthew E. (Gene) Mattare Jr., 61 (age at time of induction)
Washington D.C. native
Lower Saucon Township resident
Education:
The George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
BA Psychology, 1974
PGA Business School I, Syracuse, NY
1977
PGA Business School II, Jacksonville, FL 1978
National and Sectional Educational Seminars
Professional
PGA Membership:
Class A-1
Elected to Membership 1980
Board of Directors, Middle Atlantic Section, PGA
President, Virginia Chapter, MAPGA
Chairman, Membership Committee
Chairman, PGA Scholarship Fund, MAPGA
Member, Long Range Planning Committee, MAPGA
Member, Club Relations Committee, MAPGA
Coordinator, PGA Business School, Richmond, VA
Coordinator PGA Business School, Philadelphia, PA
Member, Titleist Advisory Staff, 1999-2010
Member, Titleist Advisory Council, 2010-2014
Member, Peter Millar Advisory Board, 2000 – Present
Member, Special Awards Committee, Philadelphia Section, PGA
Member, Board of Inquiry, Philadelphia Section, PGA
Awards:
Merchandiser of the Year, Philadelphia Section PGA,
1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001
National Clubfitter of the Year, PING, 1997
Nominated, National Merchandiser of the Year,
1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008
Playing:
Winner, Jay Sigel Invitational, Aronimink Golf Club 1995
Winner, Carpenter Cup, Baltusrol Golf Club, 1992
Winner, Pro-Member, Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club, 1982
Winner, Virginia Chapter Pro-Pro Championship, 1982
Lettered, Varsity Golf, GWU, 1969-73
Captain, Golf Team, GWU, 1972-73
MVP, Golf Team, GWU, 1972-73
All Decade Team, GWU, 70’s
YEAR 9: CLASS OF 2012
Matthew E. (Gene) Mattare Jr., 61 (age at time of induction)
Employment
2005 to Present
General Manager/Director of Golf
Saucon Valley Country Club
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Oversee the entire Club operation to include: golf operations, tennis and racquet sports,
fitness, grounds, facilities maintenance, pool complex and administration.
1991 to 2005
Director of Golf
Saucon Valley Country Club
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Direct the entire golf program; areas under direct supervision include:
Golf Shop
Budget Preparation
Golf Instruction
Caddie Program
Club Storage Services
Golf Cars
1999 to 2000
Interim General Manager
Saucon Valley Country Club
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
1981 to 1991
Head Golf Professional
Princess Anne Country Club
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1977 to 1981
Assistant Golf Professional
Chevy Chase Club
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Tournament Programs
Golf Staff
Handicap Program
Practice Range
Club Repair
Club Newsletter
YEAR 9: CLASS OF 2012
Jeff Wambold, 48 (age at time of induction)
Phillipsburg, New Jersey native
Lower Macungie Township resident
General Manager: Allentown Municipal Golf Course: 2006 - present
Director of Instruction: Allentown Municipal Golf Course: 2006 - present
Director of Golf: Indian Creek Golf Course, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: 2001-2006
Teaching Professional: Whitehall Family Golf Center, Whitehall, Pennsylvania: 1990-1991
Assistant Golf Professional: Northampton Country Club, Easton, Pennsylvania: 1988-1989
Assistant Golf Professional: Gambler Ridge Golf Club, Cream Ridge, New Jersey: 1987
Head Golf Coach: Allen High School: 2008-present
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications (2):
U.S. Amateur: 1995
Newport Country Club, Newport, Rhode Island
U.S. Public Links: 1998
Torrey Pines Golf Club, San Diego, California
Club Professional Competitions (Pocono Professional Golf Series):
2006: Silver Creek Country Club Pro-Am – runner-up
2003, 2004: PPGS Player of the Year award – runner-up
2003: PPGS Stroke Play Championship – runner-up
2003: PPGS Pocono Cup – captain of winning Lehigh Valley team
Local Amateur Golf Tournament Victories (Individual):
Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship: 1995
Harkers Hollow Golf Club -- match play club champion: 1986
Oak Hill Golf Club -- club champion: 1985
Other Tournament Victories:
Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners: 1997
Awards:
1995 Lehigh Valley Player of the Year
Long Drive Competitions:
8-time Chrysler World Long Drive Championship District champion
6-time Remax World Long Drive sectional qualifier
Won numerous local and state long drive competitions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
College golf accomplishments:
1985-1986: Ramapo State College (New Jersey): competed in 1986 NCAA Championship, helped lead team to
numerous victories
1983-1985: Somerset County College
Team captain, two seasons
1984 NJCAA Regional Championship – runner-up
1985 NJCAA Regional Championship – third place
1983 and 1984: competed in NJCAA National Championships
High School/Junior Golf Accomplishments:
1982: NJSIAA State Championship: 3rd place
1982: East Penn Conference: lowest stroke average: 73.4
Phillipsburg High School: four-time golf team captain
Won more than 40 junior golf tournaments in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 8: CLASS OF 2011
CLUB / TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR
AMATEUR:
SENIOR AMATEUR:
CONTRIBUTOR / SENIOR AMATEUR / GOLF COACH:
Jack Eckenrode
Ed Williams
Dave Blichar
Craig Scott
Tom Stitt
Fran Tusak
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, September 14, 2011, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Karl Gilbert. Golf Association of the Lehigh valley Foundation – Executive Director;
2007 Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame inductee
Jack Eckenrode, 67 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native
Liberty High School: 1961
East Stroudsburg University: 1965
Pennsylvania PIAA State Wrestling Champion: 1961
European Senior Tour: 1997-1999
Played in 1995 Lexington South Africa event, 1998 South African Open
Major professional championships:
Qualified for the 1997 British Senior Open, Portrush, Ireland
Qualified for the 1998 U.S. Senior Open, Riveira CC, Los Angeles
Qualified for the 2000 Senior PGA Championship, PGA National, West Palm Beach
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Senior Open: 1998
U.S. Mid-Amateur: 1993
Operates Berkleigh Country Club: 2008 - present
Owner of Fox Hollow Golf Club: 1987-1998, 2007 – present
Owner of Jack’s Golf Shop (Bethlehem): 1982 – 1987
Head Golf Professional: Shepherd Hills Golf Club
Assistant Golf Professional: the Tarratine Club, Maine
Assistant Golf Professional: Saucon Valley Country Club: 1966 - 1970
Turned professional in 1966
Amateur Golf Career Victories:
Tarz Ford Memorial (with Barry Frey): 1993
Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship runner-up: 1993
Liberty High School Athletic Hall of Fame -- inducted in 2006
16 career hole-in-one’s
Course record
Green Pond: 61 -10 1978
YEAR 8: CLASS OF 2011
Dave Blichar, 47 (age at time of induction)
Palmerton native
Upper Macungie Township resident
Palmerton High School: 1981
Lehigh County Community College: 1983
Guardian Insurance – Underwriter
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Amateur: 1993
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1999
* Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship: 2002
* Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions: 2008
* Lehigh Valley Mid-Amateur Championship: 2005, 2011
* Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions: 2013
* The only golfer in Lehigh Valley region golf history to qualify for the United States Amateur, and win the:
Lehigh Valley Amateur, Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship, Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions, and
Lehigh Valley Mid-Amateur.
* One of three golfers in Lehigh Valley region golf history to qualify for the United States Amateur, and win the:
Lehigh Valley Amateur, Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship, and Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions.
Other Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
Donald Ross Invitational -- Senior Amateur Division: 2014
Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners champion: 2004
3-time Green Pond Match Play Better Ball of Partners champion (with Dave Strohl)
8-time Blue Ridge C.C. club champion: 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
6-time champion Blue Ridge C.C. medal play champion: 1993, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
7-time champion Blue Ridge C.C. Invitational champion (better ball of partners, teammate Dave Strohl):
1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011
* Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 2001, 2002
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: semifinalist for six consecutive years: 1997-2002
* Lehigh Valley Medal Play runner-up: 1991
* Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions runner-up: 1990, 2011
* Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions runner-up: 2014
YEAR 8: CLASS OF 2011
Ed Williams, 64 (age at time of induction)
North Carolina native
Elizabeth City State University –1969 B.S. Mathematics
Allentown resident
Liberty High School math teacher
Liberty High School golf coach (1988-1999)
PGA Senior Tour
1999 State Farm Senior Classic (made the cut, earned $1,300)
United States Golf Association national championship qualifying:
U.S. Senior Open – second alternate in 2009
U.S. Senior Open – second alternate in 2001
Local Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship: 1994
* Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions: 1991
* Allentown City Match Play Championship: 1988
* Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship: 1990, 1993
Other Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
* GALV Better Ball of Partners: 1993
Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship - Most Valuable Player: 1991, 1994
Other Amateur Tournament Victories:
Philadelphia Better Ball of Partners Championship: 1990
Pennsylvania State Elks Tournament : 1972, 1980
Pocono Pro-Am Series medalist – Allentown Municipal, Shepherd Hills
Pocono Pro-Am Series low amateur – Delaware Water Gap
Allentown City Match Play Championship runner-up: 1989
Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship runner-up: 1994, 1995
Professional Tournament Victories:
World Golf Teacher’s Federation Super-Senior World Championship: 2009, Hilton Head, South Carolina
World Golf Teacher’s Federation Super-Senior World Championship: 2011, Orlando, Florida
Bill Bishop Golf Classic: 2003, Sicklerville, New Jersey
United States Golf Teacher’s Federation Super-Senior World Championship runner-up: 2011, Orlando, Florida
4 Holes-In-One
YEAR 8: CLASS OF 2011
Craig Scott, 61 (age at time of induction)
Marshalls Creek, PA native and resident
Blair Academy -1968
Three sport athlete: football, basketball, and baseball (earned all-state honors in all three sports among
independent New Jersey high schools and preparatory schools)
Cornell University – 1972
Family owned and operated Mountain Manor Golf Course in Marshalls Creek, PA for 75 years
Co-owned Mountain Manor Golf Course from 1992 until it’s sale in 2007
5 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Amateur: 2000
U.S. Mid-Amateur: 1982, 1994, 1998
U.S. Senior Amateur: 2010
Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
Lehigh Valley Senior Inter-Club Championship: 2013, 2014
Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Amateur: 2004
Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur Championship: 1992
Great Bear Country Club senior club champion: 2008, 2010
* Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1986
Golf Association of Philadelphia – Brewer Cup runner-up (GAP senior match play championship): 2008
Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions runner-up: 2014
YEAR 8: CLASS OF 2011
Tom Stitt, 67 (age at time of induction)
Easton native
Bethlehem resident
Easton High School: 1961
Duke University: 1965
Southern Methodist School of Law: 1968
Attorney : 1971 to present
U.S. Army: 1st Lieutenant: 1969-1971
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Senior Amateur: 2000
Local Senior Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Stroke Play Championship: 1994
* Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions: 2007
* Lehigh Valley Super-Senior Match Play Championship: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014
* Lehigh Valley Super-Senior Tournament of Champions: 2007, 2009
First player to win both the senior and super-senior titles in the Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions:
2007
Lehigh Valley Regular-Senior Better Ball of Partners champion: 2005
Pennsylvania Tall Cedars – state champion: 1983, 1985
United States Golf Association national championship qualifying:
U.S. Senior Amateur – first alternate in 1999
14-time Northampton C.C. club champion: 1968, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1994,
1999, 2000, 2003
5-time champion Northampton C.C. senior club champion: 1999, 2003, 2011, 2012, 2014
Northampton Country Club records:
* Record 14-time men’s club champion
* Only club member to win the club championship and senior club championship in the same year: 1999, 2003
* Has won club championships in five different - and in five consecutive - decades
* 35 years between first and most recent club championship victories
* Won six consecutive club championships from 1977 to 1982
* Club championship runner-up 7 times
YEAR 8: CLASS OF 2011
Fran Tusak, 74 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native
Hanover Township (Northampton County) resident
Liberty High School: 1955
West Chester University: 1959
Lehigh University, M.A. in Education: 1964
Bethlehem Area School District teacher (33 years)
Freedom High School golf coach (1974-1992)
Several Freedom HS golfers qualified for the PIAA state tournament: Gary Riddaugh, Sue Ramanot, Bob
Weinhofer, Scott Cericola, Holly Vaughan, Cliff Shaw, Tim Oskin
City of Bethlehem: youth golf instruction program leader: 1972 – 1985
Northampton Community College: taught adult golf program for over ten years.
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Public Links: 1976
Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Amateur Championship: 1995
Other Tournament Victories (Individual):
* 4-time Bethlehem City champion: 1971, 1975, 1977, 1980
* 4-time Silver Creek CC club champion
* 13-time Silver Creek CC senior club champion
Other Tournament Victories:
Tarz Ford Memorial (with Robin McCool): 1985
Paul Clymer Memorial (with Robin McCool): 1988
Pete Gorgone Memorial champion: 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002
Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Better Ball of Partners: 1997
Special Olympics – 32 years -- volunteer and program director
Coached citizens with intellectual disabilities. Taught them proper golf techniques and golf etiquette. Many of
these athletes won first place in Pennsylvania Special Olympics competitions, and some of them went on to place
first in national Special Olympics competitions.
Ski Patrolman at Jack Frost Mountain – 17 years
Ran with his wife Louise a six-county, five-day ski competition.
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR
AMATEUR:
WOMAN’S AMATEUR:
SENIOR AMATEUR / CONTRIBUTOR:
Norm Schadt
John McCurry
Sal Picone
Gary Daniels
Noreen Mohler
Rich Kovacs
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Mike Zambelli. Service Electric Cable TV 2 -- Sports Director, voice of the Lehigh Valley
Iron Pigs, 2008 Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame inductee.
Norm Schadt
1917-1999
Emmaus native
Allentown resident
Daytona Beach, Florida resident
Mack Trucks Inc. machinist
1959 Pennsylvania Public Links Team State Championship - first place: Manny Palos 144, Norm Schadt 148, Joe
Hoch 150, Ted Beckowski 150.
1964 Pennsylvania Public Links Team State Championship - first place
Local Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1966, 1968
* Allentown City Championship: 1959
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eastern Seniors Championship: 1970
Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions: 1959
Lehigh Valley Public Golfers Association: 1957, 1959
Tri-City Championship: 1958
Twin Lakes Country Club club champion: 1961
Wedgewood Golf Course club champion: 1966, 1967
Willowbrook Golf Course club champion: 1957, 1958, 1959, 1963
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1967
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
Noreen Mohler, 56 (age at time of induction)
Woburn, Massachusetts native; Hanover Township resident
University of New Hampshire: 1975
Restaurant owner since 1986
Played on the LPGA Tour two years: 1984 - 1985
2010 Curtis Cup team captain. United States defeated Great Britain & Ireland 12 ½ to 7 ½.
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications (33):
Two (2) U.S. Junior Girl’s Championship
* 1968 -- Flint, Michigan
* 1971 -- Augusta, Georgia -- round of 16
Seven (7) U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship
* 1973 -- Montclair, New Jersey -- round of 32
* 1975 -- Brae Burn, Massachusetts -- semifinalist (lost to eventual champion Beth Daniel)
* 1976 -- Del Paso, California -- round of 32
* 1977 -- Cincinnati, Ohio -- round of 64
* 1979 -- Memphis, Tennessee -- round of 32
* 1980 -- Prairie Dunes, Kansas
* 2009 -- St. Louis, Missouri
One (1) Curtis Cup Team
* 1978 U.S. Curtis Cup Team -- Apawammis CC, Rye, New York. 1-1-1 record. The U.S. team defeated Great
Britain and Ireland 12-6
Five (5) U.S. Women’s Open
* 1976 -- Rolling Green CC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* 1977 -- Hazeltine National, Minnesota
* 1978 -- Country Club of Indianapolis, Indiana
* 1979 -- Brooklawn CC, Fairfield, Connecticut
* 1984 -- Salem CC, Massachusetts
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
Noreen Mohler, 56 (age at time of induction)
Seven (7) U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
* 2007 -- Desert Forest, Carefree, Arizona -- round of 32
* 2008 -- Barton Creek, Ann Arbor, Michigan -- semifinalist
* 2009 -- Golden Hills Golf & Polo, Ocala, Florida -- round of 16
* 2010 – Wichita CC, Wichita, Kansas -- round of 64
* 2011 – Bayville Golf Club, Virginia Beach, Virginia – round of 32
* 2012 – Briggs Ranch Golf Club, San Antonio, Texas – round of 32
* 2014 – Harbour Trees Golf Club, Noblesville, Indiana
Eight (8) U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship
* 2006 -- Sea Island, Georgia -- round of 32
* 2007 -- Sunriver Bend, Oregon -- quarterfinalist
* 2008 -- Tulsa, Oklahoma -- round of 16
* 2009 -- The Homestead Cascades Course, Hot Springs, Virginia – quarterfinalist
* 2010 -- Fiddlesticks CC, Fort Myers, Florida
* 2011 -- The Honors Course, Chattanooga, Tennessee – round of 64
* 2012 -- Hershey CC West Course, Hershey, Pennsylvania – round of 32
* 2014 – Hollywood Golf Club, Deal, New Jersey – round of 16
Three (3) U.S. Women’s State Team Championship
* 2009 -- Sycamore Hills GC, Fort Wayne, Indiana -- tied for 21st place
* 2011 – The Landings Club Palmetto Course, Savannah, Georgia – tied for 9th place
* 2013 – NCR Country Club, Kettering, Ohio – named to team
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
Noreen Mohler, 56 (age at time of induction)
Other national amateur golf accomplishments:
* 1977 Eastern Women’s Amateur champion
* 1977 Western Women’s Amateur runner-up
* 2012: 55th Senior Women’s North & South Amateur champion
Pennsylvania State Women’s Golf Association amateur golf accomplishments:
* 1976 Amateur Championship -- Huntingdon Valley CC -- -- runner-up
* 1977 Amateur Championship -- Heidelberg CC -- -- champion
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2006 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship -- Oakmont CC -- runner-up
2007 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship -- Manufacturer’s CC -- quarterfinalist
2008 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship -- Huntsville CC -- champion
2009 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship -- Kahkwa GC, Erie -- runner-up
2010 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship – Whitemarsh Valley CC, Lafayette Hill -- runner-up
2011 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship – Country Club of York -- quarterfinalist
2012 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship – Allegheny Country Club -- quarterfinalist
2013 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship – Gulph Mills Golf Club – champion
2014 Senior Women’s Amateur Championship – Bent Creek Golf Club – champion
The Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia amateur golf accomplishments:
* 2013 Women’s Match Play Championship -- Philadelphia CC -- semifinalist
New England regional amateur golf accomplishments:
* Two-time New England Women’s Amateur champion
1980 -- Crown Point CC, Vermont
1981 -- Hartford CC, Connecticut
* Three-time Massachusetts State Women’s Amateur champion
1973 -- Pinebrook
1980 -- Duxbury
1981 -- Charles River
* Four-time Massachusetts State Women’s Amateur runner-up
1971
1974
1975
1979
* 1977 Eastern Women’s Amateur champion -- Mid Pines CC, North Carolina
* 1978 Western Women’s Amateur runner-up -- Fox Chapel
Leadership Positions:
* 2009: U.S. Women’s Open: Co-Chairperson of the Marshals Committee
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
Gary Daniels, 60 (age at time of induction)
Allentown native
Upper Saucon Township resident
Automobile Dealership executive
The University of Denver – 1973
Member of golf team 1972, 1973
Mercersburg Academy -- 1969
Member of 1969 undefeated golf team
4 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications
U.S. Senior Open: 2000
U.S. Senior Amateur: 2004, 2009, 2010. Advanced to the 64-player match play field in 2004 and 2009.
Local Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship: 1997, 2001
4-time Saucon Valley C.C. club champion: 1989, 1997, 1999, 2000
4-time C.A. Buck Cup champion: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004
Other Tournament Victories:
2012 Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior 27-Hole Challenge
2006 Chesapeake Cup (senior champion)
2010 Pennsylvania State Golf Association Senior Better Ball Championship
Other Accomplishments:
2010 U.S. Senior Amateur sectional qualifier -- medalist
2009 Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Player of the Year
2000 U.S. Senior Open sectional qualifier -- medalist
1999 Dixie Amateur senior division -- quarterfinalist
1995 Golf Association of Philadelphia Mid-Amateur -- third place
Lehigh Valley Senior Player of the Year runner-up: 2009
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
John McCurry, 63 (age at time of induction)
Alabama native
Allentown resident
Mack Trucks Inc. machinist
PGA Senior Tour
1997 Bank of Boston Classic (made the cut, earned $660).
Local Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship: 1991
* Allentown City Match Play Championship: 1985, 1989, 1992, 1993
* Lehigh Valley Mid-Amateur Championship: 1996
* Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship: 1996
Local Senior Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Senior Inter-Club Championship: 2004
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship: 2009
Other Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
* Iron Lakes Country Club club champion
* GALV Better Ball of Partners: 2003
* Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners: 1987, 1990, 1995
Allentown City Match Play Championship runner-up: 1980
Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship third place: 2013
Lehigh County Player of the Year: 1991
Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship (Seniors) - Most Valuable Player: 2003
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
Sal Picone, 52 (age at time of induction)
Phillipsburg native
Palmer Township resident
New Jersey Transit
Phillipsburg Catholic – 1976
New Jersey State Wrestling Championship: 129 lbs. runner-up
Lehigh Valley Player of the Year: 2003
Northampton County Player of the Year: 2003, 2009
Local Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 2003, 2007
* Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship: 2004
* Lehigh Valley Mid-Amateur Championship: 2002, 2003
* Allentown City Match Play Championship: 2007
Other Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
* Green Pond Country Club club champion: 1996, 1998, 2003
* Wedgewood Golf Course club champion: 2009
* Tarz Ford Memorial: 2007
* GALV Better Ball of Partners: 1997
United States Golf Association national championship qualifying:
U.S. Public Links – second alternate in 2004. Was in a three-person playoff with Kevin Blue of Canada (first
alternate), and two-time LPGA TOUR tournament winner Michelle Wie.
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1992
YEAR 7: CLASS OF 2010
Rich Kovacs, 61 (age at time of induction)
Easton native
Bethlehem Township resident
Owner of Kovacs Benefits, insurance industry executive
Moravian College—1975
Member of 1974 Moravian College Middle Atlantic Conference team champions
Captain and Most Valuable Player of the 1975 Moravian College golf term
Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley:
Co-founder: 1989
Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions
Founder: 1990
Lehigh Valley Player of the Year: 1990
Lehigh Valley Senior Player of the Year: 2005
Northampton County Player of the Year: 1990, 1996
Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship - Most Valuable Player: 1992
Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship (Seniors) - Most Valuable Player: 2002
Local Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions: 1990
* Allentown City Match Play Championship: 1990
* Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship: 1991
* Northeast Pennsylvania Stroke Play Championship: 1996
Local Senior Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Stroke Play Championship: 2004
* Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions: 2003
* Lehigh Valley Senior Inter-Club Championship: 2006
* Eastern Pennsylvania Senior Amateur Championship: 2005
* Lehigh Valley Super-Senior Match Play Championship: 2010
Other Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
* Northampton Country Club senior club champion: 2013
* Northampton Country Club club champion: 2009
* Green Pond Country Club club champion: 1986, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2000
* Green Pond Country Club senior club champion: 2006
* Wedgewood Golf Course club champion: 1999, 2000, 2004
* Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993
* Pete Gorgone Memorial Senior Better Ball of Partners: 1999, 2001
* Lehigh Valley Regular-Senior Better Ball of Partners: 2001, 2002
Northeast Pennsylvania Stroke Play Championship runner-up: 1997
Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Stroke Play Championship runner-up: 2005, 2006, 2009
Lehigh Valley Amateur semifinalist: 1976, 1977, 1987, 1999
Green Pond Country Club: team captain of six Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship teams
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 6: CLASS OF 2009
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
SENIOR AMATEUR:
GOLF COACH:
Wayne Phillips
Bruce Young
Ray Silnik
Harold Bilheimer
Darrell Lawson
John Makuvek
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Robin McCool. The Upper Saucon Township resident has qualified for a Lehigh Valleyregion record 14 United States Golf Association national championship tournaments. A member of the Lehigh
Valley Golf Hall of Fame inaugural induction class of 2004, McCool was the first amateur golfer ever inducted into
the institution. The Arizona State graduate was employed by close friend and PING GOLF founder Karsten
Solheim, and is an associate of many touring pros from Arizona State including Phil Mickleson.
Wayne Phillips, 52 (age at time of induction)
Lancaster, PA native; Bethlehem resident
Indiana University of Pennsylvania: 1979
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Golf Team: four-year team member (1975-1979), won six collegiate
tournament titles, 1979 NCAA Division II All-American Honorable Mention.
Head Golf Professional: Lehigh Country Club: 1986 - present
Head Golf Professional: Mahoning Valley Country Club: 1984 -1986
Teaching Professional: Lehigh Country Club: 1982-1984
Assistant Golf Professional: Brookside Country Club: 1979-1982
Philadelphia Section PGA Board member: 1990-1992
Elected PGA Class A member: 1982
Turned professional in 1979
Major professional championships:
2008 U.S. Senior Open, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
Philadelphia Section PGA career highlights:
Has won 20 Philadelphia Section PGA tournaments
1989: Most Improved Player Award
Played in the 2007 Senior PGA Club Professional Championship
Played in the two PGA National Club Professional Championship events
Won 2009 Philadelphia Section PGA Senior Championship
Won 1990 Bermuda Goodwill Championship
Has won 30 Pocono Professional Golf Series tournaments
Hold course record at Lehigh Country Club: 10-under-par 60
Have shot every score in the 60’s at Lehigh Country Club
Seven career hole-in-one’s
YEAR 6: CLASS OF 2009
Bruce Young, 61 (age at time of induction)
Plainfield, NJ, native; Phillipsburg, NJ resident
Rutgers University - 1971
Rutgers University golf team: Team captain, three-time NCAA Championship qualifier (tied for 20th place in 1969
with Tom Kite).
Teaching Professional: Infini-Tee Golf Center: 2009 - present
Assistant Golf Professional: Harkers Hollow Golf Club: 1999 - present
President: Allwood Precision Tool: 1982-2007
Assistant Golf Professional: Crestmont Country Club: 1980-1981
Assistant Golf Professional: Montclair Country Club: 1977-1979
Touring Golf Professional: 1975-1976
Competed on mini-tours: JC Goosie Tour in central Florida; mini-tour in Savannah, Georgia; NGA Tour
in Phoenix, Arizona; Peter Jackson Canadian Golf Tour
Assistant Golf Professional: Fairmount Country Club: 1973-1974
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Amateur: 1987, 1990, 1993
State Championship victories:
New Jersey Mid-Amateur champion: 1992, 1994, 1995
1987 New Jersey Four-Ball champion
Amateur Tournament victories:
1998 Tarz Ford Memorial
1997, 1998 Harkers Hollow Golf Club club championship
1972 Daily News Ike Team Champion
Professional Tournament victories:
2007 Cooperstown Senior Open - Sophomore Division
1975 Palm Coast Tournament of Champions
New Jersey Senior Open runner-up: 1999
Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions runner-up: 1996, 1997, 1998
New Jersey Mid-Amateur runner-up: 1989, 1991
New Jersey Four Ball Championship runner-up: 1986, 1988
New Jersey PGA Championship runner-up: 1979
Metropolitan Golf Association Open third place: 1977
New Jersey Open runner-up: 1976, 1977
YEAR 6: CLASS OF 2009
Ray Silnik, 47 (age at time of induction)
Allentown native; Upper Macungie Township resident
California University of Pennsylvania: 1983
Head Golf Professional: Blue Shamrock Golf Club: 2014 - present
Golf Professional: Silver Creek Country Club: 1984 - 2013
Head Golf Professional at Silver Creek Country Club for nine years
Turned professional in 1984, PGA Class A membership in 1987
United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Amateur: 1983
U.S. Public Links: 1982, 1983
1982: qualified for match play, advanced to the round of 32
1983: qualified for match play, advanced to the quarterfinals
Club Professional Victories (Philadelphia Section PGA):
2000: Dodge Golf Classic
2000: Philadelphia Pro-Junior Championship
1998: Philadelphia Pro-Pro Championship
1986: Philadelphia Assistant Professional Championship
2000: Finished in the top-10 in section money earnings and points
1986, 1990: represented the Philadelphia Section PGA in challenge matches vs. the Mid-Atlantic Section PGA
1986: Finished 20th in the National Assistants Championship
Amateur Golf Tournament Victories:
* 1983 Lehigh Valley Amateur
Pennsylvania Public Links Championship: three top-5 finishes: 1981, 1982, 1983
College golf accomplishments:
California University of Pennsylvania: four-year team member (1979-1983)
1982-1983 senior year team co-captain, most valuable player, and low scoring average
1983 NCAA Division II All-American Third Team
1983 NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament: 15th place
All-Pennsylvania Conference First team: 1981, 1983
Won four collegiate tournament titles
Helped lead team to four top-10 finishes in the NCAA Division II National Championships, 1980 Pennsylvania
Conference team title, and two ECAC team championships in 1980 and 1982.
High School/Junior Golf Accomplishments:
1978 PIAA State Championship: 10th place
1978 District 11 Championship: runner-up
Colonial League champion: 1977, 1978
Three-time Colonial League First-Team All-Star (Salisbury High School): 1976, 1977, 1978
Two-time Shawnee Junior Open champion: 1977, 1978
YEAR 6: CLASS OF 2009
Harold Bilheimer 1921-2002
Bethlehem native; former Bethlehem and Center Valley resident
Moravian College (1942), M.A. in English from Lehigh University
Bethlehem Area School District: English teacher, principal at three BASD junior high schools, administrative
assistant to the BASD Superintendent of Schools.
1976 Pennsylvania State Senior Amateur Championship - champion
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1957, 1964
* 2-time Saucon Valley Country Club senior club champion: 1975, 1980
* C.A. Buck Cup champion (Saucon Valley Country Club medal play title): 1972
* 3-time Brookside Country Club club champion: 1961, 1962, 1964
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1955, 1956, 1962, 1965
University of Miami: golf team member
Eight career hole-in-one’s
Golf Coaching:
Liberty High School (had an undefeated season)
Moravian College
Moravian Academy
Leadership Positions:
Philadelphia Golf Association: member of Executive Committee, Rules Committee, J. Wood Platt Scholarship
Committee
1987 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship - General Co-Chairman (at Saucon Valley Country Club)
1992 U.S. Senior Open Championship - Group Chairman (at Saucon Valley Country Club)
YEAR 6: CLASS OF 2009
Darrell Lawson, 67 (age at time of induction)
Indianapolis native and resident, lived in Allentown from 1993 to 2002
Dun & Bradstreet: Human Resources Manager
United States Golf Association national championship qualification:
U.S. Senior Amateur: 1999
Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship (Seniors) - Most Valuable Player: 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000
(record 4-time Senior Most Valuable Player)
Local Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur: 1999
Local Senior Amateur Tournament Victories:
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Match Play Championship: 1995
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 (record 4-time champion)
* Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions: 1994
* Eastern Pennsylvania Senior Amateur: 1994 (holds 36-hole scoring record of 8-under-par 135, set in 1994)
* Pete Gorgone Memorial: 1995, 2000
Other Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
* GALV Better Ball of Partners champion: 1999
* Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners
* Lehigh Valley Regular-Senior Better Ball of Partners: 1995
Allentown City Match Play Championship runner-up: 1996
YEAR 6: CLASS OF 2009
John Makuvek, 73 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem Township native; resides in Bethlehem
East Stroudsburg University
Professor of Physical Education at Moravian College
Athletic Director at Moravian College (1992 until his retirement in 1996)
Moravian College Athletic Hall of Fame
Head golf coach at Moravian College for 43 years from 1968 - 2010.
Moravian College all-time winningest golf coach: 318-196 record
Middle Atlantic Conference champions: 1974, 1994, 1997
Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth League champion: 2006
Undefeated seasons: 1993 (16-0), 1994 (15-0), 1999 (8-0)
Individual conference champion: Brian Bergstol: 2006, 2007
Coached Brian Bergstol, who qualified for the 2008 U.S. Open, 2006 U.S. Public Links
Coached 1980 Pennsylvania Public Links champion Mike Zambelli
Coached Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame inductees Mike Zambelli, Karl Gilbert
Coached several Middle-Atlantic Conference All-Conference golfers
Local Amateur Tournament Victories:
* Southmoore Golf Course club champion : 1997
* Pete Gorgone Memorial Senior Better Ball of Partners: 1993
Head soccer coach at Moravian College for 24 years: 219-133-29 record
One NCAA Division III Tournament
Nine ECAC post-season tournaments
One Middle Atlantic Conference title
Four Middle Atlantic Conference Southern Division titles
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 5: CLASS OF 2008
PRE-1970 CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
Ralph Hutchison
Mike Zambelli
John Cannon
Jack Thomas
Dick Adam
Gary Hardin
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Tony Leodora, Associate Publisher of GolfStyles Philadelphia Magazine. Leodora has
covered The Masters for over 30 years.
Ralph Hutchison
1908-1993
Pawnee, Oklahoma native; resided in Bethlehem and retired in Sarasota, Florida
The “Voice of the Masters” at the 18th green from 1947 -1971
Served on The Masters rules and pairings committees
Voted a Top Teaching Professional In America award
Head Golf Professional: Saucon Valley Country Club: 1936 - 1974
Assistant Golf Professional: Saucon Valley Country Club: 1935
Assistant Golf Professional: Augusta National Golf Club: 1932-1935
Served as an assistant golf professional at Boca Raton Country Club under Tommy Armour
Served as an assistant golf professional at Wilmington Country Club under Ed Dudley
Quarterfinalist: 1945 PGA Championship
1954 Philadelphia Open champion
YEAR 5: CLASS OF 2008
Dick Adam, 73 (age at time of induction)
1935-2013
West Reading, PA native
Cumru Township, PA resident
Glidden Paints, Reading, PA: 15 years
Carpenter Technology: 1981-2000
Kutztown Area High School: 1952
1974 and 1976 Pennsylvania Public Links - champion
Philadelphia Public Links champion (1)
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Amateur Stroke Play Championship):
1969, 1972, 1973
* Allentown City Championship (1)
Berks County Tournament Victories:
* Hawley Quier Memorial (Tournament of Champions): 1981
* Berks County Senior Amateur: 1989, 1990, 1991
* 7-time Galen Hall Golf Course club champion
* Berks County Better Ball of Partners: 1986, 1988
* 4-time Galen Hall Golf Course Member-Member
* 2-time Galen Hall Golf Course Member-Guest
Member of 1950 and 1951 Kutztown Area High School Class B state championship basketball teams
Minor League baseball:
1954: Vidalia Indians (Georgia), pitcher, Cleveland Indians farm system, Georgia State League, Class D
1955: Vidalia Indians (Georgia), pitcher, Cleveland Indians farm system, Georgia State League, Class D
1955: Donalsonville Seminoles (Georgia), pitcher, Alabama-Florida League, Class D
Kutztown Area High School Athletic Hall of Fame -- inducted in 2008
YEAR 5: CLASS OF 2008
Mike Zambelli, 54 (age at time of induction)
Allentown native
Dieruff High School: 1972
Three-sport athlete: football, basketball, golf
Member of 1974 Moravian College Middle Atlantic Conference team champions
Service Electric Cable Television -- Sports Director: 1994 - present
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs -- Play-by-Play announcer: 2008
Host of TV2 Sports Scene show
Play-by-Play announcer: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, Reading Phillies, Allentown Ambassadors, Lehigh Valley
Valley Dawgs, Lehigh University sports, Lehigh Valley Amateur qualifying round, local high school sports
Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame: Master of Ceremonies
Assistant Golf Professional:
* Allentown Municipal: 1982-1984
United States Golf Association national championship qualification:
U.S. Public Links: 1978
1980 Pennsylvania Public Links -- champion
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1978
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1975
Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship runner-up: 1992
Allentown City Match Play Championship runner-up: 1993
Allentown City Championship runner-up: 1975
Wedgewood Golf Course club champion: 1975
Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners champion: 1993
YEAR 5: CLASS OF 2008
John Cannon, 56 (age at time of induction)
Allentown native; Alabama resident
Kutztown University: 1972; captain of golf team 1971, 1972
President, CEO -- Sunbelt Golf Corporation: 2004 - present
Chairman, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: 2004-present
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President -- Heartland Golf Development, Kansas City, MO: 2002-2004
Director of Golf -- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capital Hill: 1998-2002
General Manager, Director of Golf -- Prestwick Country Club, Surfside Beach, SC: 1997-1998
Head Professional -- Port Royal Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, SC: 1995-1997
3 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Public Links: 1982, 1983
U.S. Mid-Amateur: 1983
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Allentown City Match Play Championship: 1981, 1984
* Allentown City Championship: 1972, 1975
Tarz Ford Memorial champion: 1983
Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners champion: 1985
Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners champion: 1986
Jack Thomas, 84 (age at time of induction)
1924-2010
Meadville, PA native; Penfield, NY resident
Meadville High School: 1942; four-year team member
District 10 champion: 1941; PIAA State Tournament qualifier: 1941, 1942
Cornell University: 1949; four-year team member: 1943, 1944, 1948, 1949
NCAA Tournament qualifier: 1949
General Manager:
* Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, New York: 1977-1989
Major events at Oak Hill CC during tenure: 1989 U.S. Open, 1984 U.S. Senior Open, 1980 PGA Championship
* Saucon Valley Country Club: 1959-1975
United States Golf Association national championship qualification:
U.S. Senior Amateur: 1980
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1967, 1971, 1972
Other Tournament Victories:
1946 Meadville Country Club club champion
1948 Ithaca, New York city champion
YEAR 5: CLASS OF 2008
Gary Hardin, 56 (age at time of induction)
California native, Bethlehem resident
Temple University: 1974
Temple University Golf Team: three-year team member (1972-1974), 1972 Middle Atlantic Conference individual
and team champion, qualified for 1972 NCAA Tournament, team captain for three years: 1972-1974, Honorable
Mention All-American - 1974.
Temple University Athletics Hall of Fame: 2006
Has taught many touring professionals: Tom Carter, Kevin Johnson, Jeff Sisk
Has taught many top local golfers: Henry D’Alberto, Brian Belden, Bob Beck, Doug Kingston, Joe Viechnicki, Pat
Hardin (son), Tiffany Fisher, Brittany Fisher
Head Golf Professional: Northampton Country Club: 1990 - present
Assistant Golf Professional: Cedarbrook Country Club: 1986-1989
Assistant Golf Professional: Cornwells Golf Club: 1982-1985
Assistant Golf Professional: Tamarack Country Club, Greenwich, Conn.: 1979
Assistant Golf Professional: Squires Golf Club: 1978
Assistant Golf Professional: Plymouth Country Club: 1977
Philadelphia Section PGA Tournament Committee member: 1988-present
Elected PGA member: 1982
Turned professional in 1975
TaylorMade staff member since 1981, Presidential Advisory Board founding member
Played the PGA TOUR: 1980, 1981
Played mini-tours and the European Tour: 1975-1976
Major professional championships:
1988 PGA Championship, Inverness Golf Club
2005 U.S. Senior Open, tied for 46th place, NCR Country Club
2005 Senior PGA Championship, Laurel Valley Golf Club
Philadelphia Section PGA career highlights:
Has won over 30 Philadelphia Section PGA tournaments
1992: Section Points Champion, Teacher of the Year
1987: Section Champion, Player of the Year, De Baufre Trophy winner (low stroke average).
Has played in 10 PGA National Club Championship events
Course records (hold or co-hold six course records):
Northampton Country Club: 61
Eagle Lodge Country Club: 62
Cedarbrook Country Club: 63
Manufacturers Country Club: 64
Warrington Country Club: 64
Saucon Valley Country Club (Old Course): 64
Nine career hole-in-one’s
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 4: CLASS OF 2007
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
CLUB / TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
CONTRIBUTOR:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
Tom Lynch
Roger Stern
Karl Gilbert
Miguel Biamon
Barry Brackenbury
Ted Beckowski
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, September 19, 2007, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Jeff Hall, United States Golf Association Director of Rules / Competitions and Standards.
Tom Lynch, 64 (age at time of induction)
1943-2011
Spokane, Washington native; Whitehall Township resident
University of Washington: 1965
Golf Digest Best Teacher in the State award - 2000, 2003, 2004
Has run junior clinics over 30 years
The founder of the 8-inch cup tournaments in the Lehigh Valley region
Has mentored many future club professionals
Head Golf Professional: Iron Lakes Country Club: 2001 - 2011
Teaching Professional: Green Pond CC: 2000, 2011
Head Golf Professional: Indian Creek GC: 1997-2000
Head Golf Professional: Whitehall Golf Center: 1990-1996
Head Golf Professional: Shepherd Hills GC: 1981-1989
Head Golf Professional: Linwood CC, Linwood, New Jersey: 1979-1980
Head Golf Professional: Allentown Municipal: 1977-1979
Assistant Golf Professional: Philmont Country Club: 1971-1975
Assistant Golf Professional: Philadelphia Cricket Club: 1969-1970
Assistant Golf Professional: Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico: 1966-1969 (worked under Chi Chi Rodriguez)
Played the PGA TOUR: 1976; winters: 1974, 1975
Played the South Africa Tour: 1972
Played mini-tours in Florida in the early 1970’s
Professional Tournament Victories:
* 1979 Reading Open
* 1981, 1983 Shepherd Hills pro-am
YEAR 4: CLASS OF 2007
Roger Stern, 65 (age at time of induction)
Allentown native; Bethlehem resident
East Stroudsburg University, 1964
PGA Senior Tour (now the Champions Tour): Won $27,475 in career earnings: 1992 - 1996, 1999
Played in nine PGA Senior Tour tournaments
Qualified for the 1992 and 1996 U.S. Senior Open
European Senior Tour: Won 11,543 pounds from 1997-1998
Qualified for the 1995 British Senior Open
Long-time teaching pro in the Lehigh Valley
Life member of PGA of America
PGA representative at Wedgewood Golf Course: 1992-present
Teaching Professional: Wedgewood Golf Course: 1990-1992
Head Golf Professional: Northampton Country Club: 1977-1988
Head Golf Professional: Schuylkill Country Club: 1972-1975
Assistant Golf Professional: Northampton Country Club: 1968-1971
Assistant Golf Professional: Lehigh Country Club: 1967
Turned professional in 1965
Club Professional Victories (Philadelphia Section PGA):
2000: Philadelphia Section PGA Senior Championship
1993: Section Senior Pro-Junior Pro (Wayne Phillips)
1992: Section Senior Player of the Year
1982: Section Senior Pro-Junior (Billy Gilbert)
1982: Section Pro-Assistant Pro (Greg Clarke)
1980: Section Pro-Junior Pro (A.J. Karanikolas)
1973: qualified for PGA Tour IVB Classic
1969: Pro-Assistant Pro (Bob Hutnik)
1972, 1980, 1985, 1986: Pro-Pro (Dennis Milne)
Amateur Golf Career Victories:
1960: PA Public Links Junior Champion
1960: Allentown City Champion
1963: Qualified for NCAA Tournament
1965: Member of Fort Lee Army Championship Team
YEAR 4: CLASS OF 2007
Karl Gilbert, 50 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native; Allentown resident
Moravian College: 1980
Golf Columnist:
Bethlehem Globe-Times: 1987-1991
Express-Times: 1992-present
Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley:
Executive Director: 1990 - present
Co-founder: 1989
Lehigh Valley Junior Golf Tour:
Director: 1994 - present
Mid-Atlantic States Junior Golf Tour:
Director: 2002 - present
FOUNDED:
Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Foundation (non-profit organization): 2008
Lehigh Valley Open: 2007
Lehigh Valley Women’s Tournament of Champions: 2007
Lehigh Valley Senior Player of the Year Award: 2005
First Lehigh Valley 54-hole amateur golf tournament: Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship: 2004
Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame committee: 2003
Formed the Lehigh Valley Amateur Golf Alliance: 2002
Lehigh Valley Mid-Amateur Championship: 1996
Northeast Pennsylvania Stroke Play Championship: 1996
Lehigh Valley Regular-Senior Better Ball of Partners: 1995
Lehigh Valley Junior Golf Tour: 1994
Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur: 1994
Lehigh Valley Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship: 1994
Lehigh Valley Junior Tournament of Champions: 1994
Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Stroke Play Championship: 1994
GALV / TAYLORMADE Better Ball of Partners: 1993
Lehigh Valley Junior Medal Play Championship: 1992
Pete Gorgone Memorial: 1991
Lehigh Valley Amateur Medal Play Championship: 1991
Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions: 1991
Coordinated the annual Lehigh Valley Men’s Amateur Golf Schedule: since 1990
Re-started Lehigh Valley Inter-Club matches: 1990
CO-FOUNDED:
Mid-Atlantic States Junior Golf Tour: 2000
Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions: 1990
Lehigh Valley Player of the Year Award: 1990
COMPETITIVE GOLF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Middle-Atlantic Conference first team all-conference: 1978, 1980
Middle-Atlantic Conference – one of four Moravian College golfers named to the MAC 100 Century Team
Amateur tournament victories:
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship): 1980
Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners runner-up: 1979, 1981
YEAR 4: CLASS OF 2007
Miguel Biamon, 45 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native; Lower Gwynedd, PA resident
Director of Fixed Income Investments, Bryn Mawr Trust Company
East Stroudsburg University: 1984
Assistant Golf Professional:
* Waynesborough Country Club: 1991 - 1996
* Whitemarsh Valley Country Club: 1986 - 1990
* Brookside Country Club: 1985
PGA Tour Experience:
* PGA Tour - Final Qualifying School - 1991
* Played in 1994 PGA Championship (Southern Hills CC, Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Professional Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Philadelphia Section PGA Championship -- 1988, 1991
* Philadelphia Section PGA Senior Pro-Junior Pro (Bob Hutnik)
* Won several tournament titles in the Philadelphia Section PGA
Amateur Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Whitemarsh Valley C.C. club championships: 2000, 2001, 2003
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship): 1983
* 1984 LNGCA Open champion
* Saucon Valley C.C. club championships: 1980, 1982, 1984
* Saucon Valley C.C. C.A. Buck Cup: 1982
* District 11 Championship: 1978
* Saucon Valley C.C. junior club championship: 1975 (youngest member to ever win the junior club
championship), 1979
Other Amateur Tournament Victories :
* Pennsylvania Golf Association Better Ball Championship : 2003
* Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1984
* Qualified for NCAA Division II National Championship - 1983
Seven career hole-in-one’s
YEAR 4: CLASS OF 2007
Barry Brackenbury, 65 (age at time of induction)
Born in Grantham, England
Liberty High School: 1959
Sales Representative for Indian Ridge Provisions
Assistant Golf Professional:
* Radnor Valley Country Club: 1963-1967
* Crestmont Country Club: 1968-1970
* Winding Hollow Country Club: 1971-1973
* Played on Florida mini-tours: 1974-1976
3 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Senior Amateur: 1997, 1999, 2000
Lehigh Valley Player of the Year: 1993
Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship (Seniors) - Most Valuable Player: 1999
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1993
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Match Play Championship: 1993
* Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions: 1995, 1996, 1997
Tarz Ford Memorial champion: 1983
Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners champion: 1985
Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners champion: 1986, 1997
Pete Gorgone Memorial champion: 1994, 2000
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1982
Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions runner-up: 1993
Allentown City Match Play Championship runner-up: 1995
Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Match Play Championship runner-up: 1992, 1994, 1998
Lehigh Valley Senior Medal Play Championship runner-up: 1997, 1998, 1999
Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions runner-up: 1999
Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners runner-up: 1986
Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners runner-up: 1987
Pete Gorgone Memorial runner-up: 1993, 2001
Ted Beckowski, 78 (age at time of induction)
Former Bethlehem resident; now resides in Florida
Long-time member of Wedgewood Golf Course
1967 Kentucky State Public Links - champion
1961 Pennsylvania Public Links - runner-up
1959 Pennsylvania Public Links Team State Championship - first place: Manny Palos 144, Norm Schadt 148, Joe
Hoch 150, Ted Beckowski 150.
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1970, 1973
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship): 1970
* 15-time Wedgewood Golf Course club champion
* 4-time Mary Ellen benefit tournament medalist
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1971
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 3: CLASS OF 2006
CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
John Kulhamer
Debbie Massey
Gloria Ehret
Rich Hallman
Manny Palos
Clyde Oskin
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, September 13, 2006, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Mimi Griffin, President of MSG Promotions, Inc. Tournament Director of many United
States Golf Association national championship tournaments including the 1992 and 2000 U.S. Senior Open at
Saucon Valley C.C., and 2009 U.S. Women’s Open at Saucon Valley C.C.
John Kulhamer, 52 (age at time of induction)
Whitehall Township native, Bethlehem resident
Kutztown University, 1976
Head Golf Professional: Green Pond Country Club: 1994 - present.
* Has re-engineered the Lehigh Valley Amateur into a week-long event, attracting nearly 400 golfers per year
* Started the Green Pond Golf Association
* Hosted Golf Channel Drive, Pitch and Putt event, Collegiate Players Tour event
Golf Digest Best Teacher in the State award - 2003, 2004
Ping Regional Club Fitter of the Year - 2002
Head Golf Professional: Fairview GC, Lancaster, PA: 1992-1993
Head Golf Professional: White Deer GC. Williamsport, PA: 1984-1991
Assistant Golf Professional: Seaview CC, Atlantic City, NJ: 1980-1983
United States Open: advanced to final qualifying in 1976, 1985, 1994
Played mini-tours in Florida from 1977-1980
Professional Tournament Victories:
* 1981 Shawnee Open
* 1984 AB Thorne
* 1988 White Deer pro-am
* 1988 Susquehanna Valley pro-am
* 2005 RC Mott Memorial
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Allentown City Championship: 1976
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship): 1976
* 1971 Lehigh Valley League champion
* 1976 PA Public Links Championship -- runner-up
Qualified for NIKE TOUR EVENT: 1999 Lehigh Valley Nike Open.
Whitehall - Coplay High School Athletic Hall of Fame -- inducted in 2013
YEAR 3: CLASS OF 2006
Debbie Massey, 55 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native; Cheboygan, Michigan resident
University of Denver, 1972
2002 -present: Black Lake Golf Club, Onaway, Michigan - marketing and public relations director
Has played on The Women’s Senior Golf Tour since 2002
Played on the LPGA Tour 18 years from 1977 until 1995
Won $1,296,507 on the LPGA Tour
LPGA Tour victories (3):
* 1977 Mazda Japan Classic
* 1979 Wheeling Classic
* 1990 Mazda Japan Classic
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1980 British Women’s Open champion
1981 British Women’s Open champion
1979 U.S. Women’s Open - runner-up
1991 du Maurier Ltd. Classic - runner-up
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1977 LPGA Rookie of the Year
22nd player in LPGA Tour history to earn over $1 million in career earnings
Earned over $100,000 four times: 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991
Finished in the top-25 on the LPGA Tour season money list nine times: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981,
1983, 1986, 1988, 1990.
Internationally ranked amateur golfer from 1972 -1976
* 1974 and 1976: member of the U.S. World Cup and Curtis Cup teams
* 1974 and 1975: number one ranked amateur in the world
* 1975 Western Amateur champion
* 1975 Eastern Amateur champion
* 1974: 7th in U.S. Women’s Open (low amateur)
* 3-time Canadian Amateur (1974-1976) and Bermuda Amateur champion
* 1972 Western Amateur champion
* 1970 and 1971 Pennsylvania State Women’s Golf Association Junior champion
Leadership Positions:
* 2005: U.S. Solheim Cup Team - Captain’s Assistant
* 2002: U.S. Solheim Cup Team - Captain’s Assistant
* 1999-2000: U.S. Solheim Cup Team - Assistant Captain
* 1999-2003: LPGA Hall of Fame Veterans Committee
* 1998-2004: Women’s Sports Foundation National Advisory Board
* 1996-2002: Executive Women’s Golf Association National Advisory Board
* 1991-2004: USGA Implements and Ball Committee
* 1989-Present: LPGA Hall of Fame Committee
* 1990-1995: Golf Digest’s Course Ranking Panel
* 1990: Golf Digest Founders Cup Award recipient
* 1982: President - LPGA Tour Executive Committee
* 1982: USGA Bob Jones Award Selection Committee
* 1982: Women’s Sports Foundation National Advisory Board
* 1980-1981: Vice-President - LPGA Tour Executive Committee
* 1980-1982: Member of the LPGA Board of Directors
YEAR 3: CLASS OF 2006
Gloria Ehret, 65 (age at time of induction)
Allentown native; Dallas, Texas resident
St. Petersburg Junior College
Has played on The Women’s Senior Golf Tour since 2000
Volvo Legend’s Tour - won one tournament in 1995
Played full-time on the LPGA Tour 15 years from 1965 until 1979
Won $235,758 on the LPGA Tour
LPGA Tour victories (2):
* 1966 LPGA Championship
* 1973 Birmingham Classic
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*
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1966 LPGA Most Improved Player
Won a 1966 LPGA better ball of partners tournament with Judy Kimball
12 LPGA Tour career second place finishes.
Finished in the top-25 on the LPGA Tour season money list seven times: 1966, 1967, 1970, 1972, 1973,
1976, 1978.
Amateur tournament victories:
* 1963 and 1964 Tri-State Amateur
* 1964 Connecticut State Amateur
* 1964 International Four-Ball
Rich Hallman, 54 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native; Louisville, Kentucky resident
United Parcel Service executive
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1974, 1975, 1980, 1982
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship): 1981
* Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partners - champion: 1982
* Pennsylvania Public Links: two top-10 finishes.
* Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1983
* Tarz Ford Memorial runner-up (with Jim Muschlitz): 1985
YEAR 3: CLASS OF 2006
Manny Palos
1918 - 2007 (88 years old age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native
Owned roofing business
2 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Public Links: 1959, 1962
* 1959 U.S. Public Links- at Denver, Colorado - qualified in 14th place with a 71 - lost 3 & 2 in the first round
of match play
National Sokols Championship - 4-time champion
1959 Pennsylvania Public Links Team State Championship - first place: Manny Palos 144, Norm Schadt 148, Joe
Hoch 150, Ted Beckowski 150.
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur - 1963
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship) - 1960,
1962, 1963, 1964, 1975
* Bethlehem Municipal City Championship - 1958, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
* Bethlehem Senior Open - 1985, 1990, 1991
* Allentown city champion - 1963
* Bethlehem Steel Club club championship - 1978, 1981
* Silver Creek Senior Club Championship: 1984, 1988
* Willowbrook club champion - 1952
* Twin Lakes club champion - 1967
Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up: 1960, 1973
Won several pro-ams with Bob Schoener and Bob Hutnik
Clyde Oskin, 83 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem resident
Long-time member of Saucon Valley Country Club
Lehigh University, 1947
Captain of Lehigh University golf team: 1947
Bethlehem Steel accounting executive
Allentown College (now DeSales University) golf coach: 1987-1992
4 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications
U.S. Amateur: 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959
* 1954 at CC of Detroit- lost in fourth round to Bob Sweeney 1-up
* 1957 at The Country Club (Boston) - lost in first round
* 1958 at Olympic CC (San Francisco) - lost in fifth round (round of 16) to Walker Cup team member Chuck
Kocis 1-up
* 1959 at Broadmoor CC (Denver) - lost in first round
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1946
14-time Saucon Valley C.C. club champion (club record): 1942, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1955, 1956,
1957, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1974
14-time C.A. Buck Cup champion (Saucon Valley CC medal play title): 1941, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951,
1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961
1947 Philadelphia Amateur - qualifying medalist
Course records: Saucon Valley CC Grace Course - 66 (1961); Saucon Valley CC Old Course - 65 (1957) - stood
for 43 years until Bruce Fleisher shot a 64 in the 2000 U.S. Senior Open.
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 2: CLASS OF 2005
CLUB PROFESSIONAL / TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
GOLF MEDIA:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR:
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF COACH:
Robert P. “Junie” Schoener Jr.
John Kunda
Jim Muschlitz
Dominic Carr
T. Francis “Tarz” Ford
Neil “Skip” Hamsher
INDUCTION DINNER: Wednesday, September 14, 2005, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Marty Parkes, United States Golf Association Senior Director of Media Relations and
Communications.
Robert P. “Junie” Schoener Jr. 1934 - 2003
Golf professional at Green Pond Country Club from 1953 - 1985.
Conducted annual Lehigh Valley Amateur, helped establish tournament course conditions and rules.
Played in five United States Opens, played in two PGA Championships
Played in many PGA TOUR events throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s
7-time Philadelphia PGA Section - best putter award
1964 Philadelphia PGA Section Player of the Year
Significant tournament victories:
* 1949-1951: District 11 champion
* 1951:
PIAA Boys State Championship (Allentown High School)
* 1951:
Pennsylvania Public Links Championship
* 1952:
Lehigh Valley Amateur
* 1960:
Pennsylvania State Open
* 1964:
Philadelphia Section PGA champion
* Two-time Wood Memorial tournament championship (PGA tournament)
* Two-time Anthracite Open champion
* Won 108 Philadelphia PGA Section tournaments during his career
1962 U.S. Open: Oakmont Country Club -- birdied all four par-3’s, led after the first round.
Four-time Philadelphia PGA Section Championship runner-up
1968 PGA TOUR IVB Classic - 23rd place
Member of the Allentown High School Hall of Fame
John Kunda 1933 - 2005
(71 years old at time of induction)
Palmerton native, Whitehall Township resident
Penn State University, 1955
Sports Writer, Golf Columnist at The Morning Call from 1956 until his retirement in 1998
Authored “Chips and Putts” golf column for The Morning Call beginning in 1963
Covered Penn State football program for 35 years
Member of the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) for over four decades
Member of GWAA scholarship fund committee
Covered The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club for The Morning Call for 34 years in a row
Free-lance golf writer for several publications
1992 Pete Gorgone Memorial champion
1996 Lehigh-Valley Regular-Senior Better Ball of Partners champion
Member of several Allentown Municipal Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship teams
Member of Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame
YEAR 2: CLASS OF 2005
Jim Muschlitz, 52 (age at time of induction)
Bethlehem native, Moore Township resident
Head golf professional: Southmoore Golf Course: 1994 - present.
Head Golf professional: Green Pond Country Club: 1987-1993
Conducted annual Lehigh Valley Amateur at Green Pond CC. Established standard starting time
procedures for qualifying round.
Founded in 1992: Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Match Play Championship.
Head Golf professional: Sawmill Golf Course: 1985-1987
Assistant Greens Superintendent- Bethlehem Municipal: 1981-1985
Rutgers University - Agronomy 2-year program degree - 1978
2 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Public Links: 1985
U.S. Amateur : 1981
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1976, 1979, 1984, 1985
* Bethlehem Municipal Club Championship (now the Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship): 1971,
1974, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985 (record 7-time champion, shared 36-hole scoring record of 3-under-par 139
(1982) with Dominic Carr until 2006).
* 1971 East Penn League champion
* 1971 District 11 champion
* 1971 PIAA Boys State Championship -- runner-up
Played in 3 NIKE TOUR EVENTS: 1999 Lehigh Valley Nike Open, 1996 - Philmont C.C., 1993 - York C.C.
* Tarz Ford Memorial runner-up (with Rich Hallman): 1985
Liberty High School Athletic Hall of Fame -- inducted in 2009
YEAR 2: CLASS OF 2005
Dominic Carr, 45 (age at time of induction)
Great Britain native, Lower Macungie Township resident
Boyesen Engineering - Production Manager
2 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications:
U.S. Amateur: 1999
U.S. Public Links: 1993
Lehigh Valley Player of the Year: 1994, 1999, 2001
Lehigh Valley Player of the Decade: 1990’s
Lehigh Valley Inter-Club Championship - Most Valuable Player: 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001
Local Tournament Victories (Individual):
* Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1994, 1998
* Lehigh Valley Medal Play Championship: 1999
* Lehigh Valley Tournament of Champions: 1994, 2001
* Eastern Pennsylvania Amateur: 1997
* Northeast PA Stroke Play Championship: 1999, 2009
* Allentown City Match Play Championship: 1994, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2005 (record 6-time champion)
* Bethlehem Golf Club Medal Play Championship: 1997, 1998, 2001 (shared 36-hole scoring record of 3-underpar 139 (1997) with Jim Muschlitz until 2006).
Local Tournament Victories (Individual Senior):
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship: 2014
* Lehigh Valley Senior Inter-Club Championship: 2011, 2012
* Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Match Play Championship: 2011
* Allentown City Amateur Stroke Play Championship – Senior Amateur: 2014
Donald Ross Invitational -- Senior Amateur Division: 2014
Five-time Paul Clymer Memorial Better Ball of Partners champion: 1992, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2007
* Lehigh Valley Player of the Year standings: only player to finish in the top-10 of the points list 13 years in a row
(1993-2005).
* Lehigh Valley Player of the Year runner-up: 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002
* Lehigh Valley Senior Player of the Year runner-up: 2011
* Has never lost an individual tournament match play championship final (nine)
YEAR 2: CLASS OF 2005
Neil “Skip” Hamsher
1945 - 2001
Physical Education teacher at Southern Lehigh High School for 34 years.
Coached the high school golf team at Southern Lehigh High School for 29 years from 1972 until 2000.
29-year coaching record of 336-55-1.
Won 17 Colonial League titles, had nine undefeated seasons.
From 1980 through 1986, his teams went 87-0.
Coached four District 11 boys champions: Mickey Sokalski (1979), Andy Hydorn (1984), Tom Carter (1985),
Shane Cody (1998).
Prominent players coached: PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour player Tom Carter, Dean Carter, Mickey Sokalski
(Philmont C.C. head pro), Mike Balco (1992 L.V. Medal Play champion), Derek Nisczcak (1997 L.V. Medal Play
champion), Doug Linde (currently a professor and golf coach at Delaware Valley College), Jeff Linde (3-time
state tournament qualifier), Kristen Linde (3-time state tournament qualifier), Shane Cody (1998 District 11
champion), PGA pro Rick Mainwaring, Darryl Atherholt, Brian Laurent (Ohio State golf team - l998).
T. Francis “Tarz” Ford
1918 - 1981
Was a resident of Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Long-time member of Harkers Hollow Golf Club
Qualified for the 1958 U.S. Amateur. Lost to eventual champion Charlie Coe in the opening round.
Traveled extensively as an amateur tournament competitor in the 1950’s and 1960’s
Competed against top national amateurs of his era such as Charlie Coe, Deane Beman, and Bill Hyndman.
Represented the state of New Jersey on the Stoddard Cup team (New Jersey team vs. Westchester Golf
Association and Long Island Golf Association team): 1959
Significant tournament victories:
* 1958: Williamsport Invitational Better Ball of Partners (beat University of Maryland senior Deane Beman in
the finals. Beman won the British Amateur in 1959, the U.S. Amateur in 1960 and 1963, six PGA
Tour events, and was later the PGA Tour commissioner for 20 years).
* 1959: New Jersey State Better Ball of Partners Championship
* 1960, 1961: Harkers Hollow Golf Club - club champion: (only two times he played in the tournament).
* Anthracite Open champion (once)
New Jersey Amateur semifinalist: 1959 (lost to future PGA Tour pro Lloyd Monroe).
LEHIGH VALLEY GOLF HALL OF FAME
YEAR 1: CLASS OF 2004
GOLF TEACHER / CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
TOURING PROFESSIONAL:
AMATEUR:
AMATEUR:
PRE-1970 AMATEUR / CLUB PROFESSIONAL:
GOLF COACH / AMATEUR:
Morry Holland (Honorary first inductee)
Jim Booros
Robin McCool
Barry Klinikowski
Joe Hoch
Kelly Gutshall
INDUCTION DINNER: September 15, 2004, Green Pond Country Club
GUEST SPEAKER: Tom Meeks, United States Golf Association Senior Director of Rules and Competitions
Morry Holland
1916 - 1995
Legendary teaching professional at Saucon Valley CC from 1951 until his death in 1995
Partial list of distinguished pupils: Debbie Massey, Holly Vaughn, Kirsten Stone, Lisa Penske, Miguel Biamon,
Jamie Shaffer, Jeff Mowrer, Willie Scholl, Bob Pfister, Jim Muschlitz, Fran Tusak, and a host of touring
professionals.
Held the Saucon Valley Country Club Grace Course course record (7-under par 65)
1985 Philadelphia PGA Section Teacher of the Year
Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame – honorary first inductee
YEAR 1: CLASS OF 2004
Jim Booros, 53 (age at time of induction)
Allentown native, South Whitehall Township resident
Played on the PGA Tour nine years from 1977 until 1991 (1977, 1981-1984, 1988-1991)
Won over $473,484 on the PGA Tour
1989 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic -- champion
PGA Tour top-ten finishes: 11
PGA Tour starts: 252
Career Cuts Made: 117
Played in four U.S. Opens: 1980 at Baltusrol, 1983 at Oakmont, 1987 at Olympic, 1989 at Oak Hill
Played in the 1982 PGA Championship at Southern Hills
Professional Tournament Victories:
2004: Skee Riegel Senior Players Classic (Philadelphia Section PGA)
2002: PGA of America Tournament Series Senior Stroke Play
2001: PGA of America Tournament Series Regular Stroke Play
1996: Philadelphia Open
1995: Philadelphia Section PGA Match Play Championship
1995: Whitford Classic (Phila. Section PGA)
1994: Cobra Classic (Phila. Section PGA)
1990: Philadelphia Section PGA Championship
1986: Pennsylvania PGA Championship
1986: PGA of America National Sr./Jr. Better Ball (Nunzio Campi)
1986: AB Thorn (with John Cannon, amateur)
* Seven PPGS Stroke Play Championship titles
* Over 100 Pocono Pro-Am Series stroke play victories
1976: Leading money-winner on the Crystal River Mini-Tour (Florida)
Seven-time PGA of America National Club Pro Championship qualifications (3 regular, 4 senior)
1978-1979: Asian Tour member (finished 20th on the 1978 Order of Merit)
DeSales University Golf Coach: 2008-present
Head Golf Professional: Fox Hollow Golf Course: 2007-2008
Senior Golf Instructor: Southmoore Golf Course: 2002-2007
Golf Instructor: Green Pond Country Club: 2001-2002
Director of Instruction: Growcraft Golf Center: 1999-2001
Head Golf Professional: Allentown Municipal: 1995-1998
Head Golf Professional: Whitetail Golf Club: 1993 - 1994
Head Golf Professional: Allentown Municipal: 1979 to 1987
Hosted the Michelob/Benner Fairways Pro Am: 1982-1987
1973 Pennsylvania Public Links champion
15 Holes-In-One (2 on the PGA Tour)
2 Double Eagles (1 on the PGA Tour)
6 Course Records:
Twin Lakes: 59 -11
Wedgewood: 61 -10 (original course, twice)
Shepherd Hills: 63 -7
Locust Valley: 63 -9
Paupack Hills: 64 -8
Lords Valley: 65 -7
Allentown Municipal – shot a 62 (-11); second lowest to Arnold Palmer’s course record of 61.
YEAR 1: CLASS OF 2004
Robin McCool, 53 (age at time of induction)
Phoenix, Arizona native
Arizona State University - 1978
Phoenix College - 1976
Relocated to the Lehigh Valley in 1979, currently resides in Upper Saucon Township
United States Air Force: 1970-1974
PING Sales Representative: 1979-2003
Director of Sales, Evergreen Golf Member, LLC: 2010 - present
15 United States Golf Association national championship qualifications (local men’s amateur record)
U.S. Amateur (3): 1988, 1989, 1993
U.S. Mid-Amateur (7): 1984, 1985, 1990, 1991, 1996, 2000, 2004
U.S. Senior Open (1): 2001
U.S. Senior Amateur (1): 2010
U.S. Public Links (2): 1974, 1985
USGA Men’s State Team Championship (1): 1999
State Championship victories (8):
2014 Pennsylvania Senior Amateur
2013 Pennsylvania Senior Amateur
2010 Art Wall Jr. Memorial senior championship (Pennsylvania state tournament)
2005 Hemlock Cup (Art Wall Jr. Memorial) champion (45-54 years-old Pennsylvania state tournament)
2004 Arizona Public Links champion (tournament-record score of 12-under-par 204)
1996 and 2000 Arizona State Golf Association Short Course Championship
1988 New Jersey Mid-Amateur champion
Tournament victories:
2013 Golf Association of Philadelphia – Brewer Cup (GAP senior match play championship)
2013 Pennsylvania Golf Association – Senior Better Ball of Partners (with Chip Lutz)
2013 DeBaufre Players Trophy – senior champion
2012, 2013, 2014 Pennsylvania State Senior Team Championship (with Tom Bartolacci)
2012 Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior 27-Hole Challenge (with Gary Daniels)
2012 Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Tournament of Champions
2010 Golf Association of Philadelphia – Brewer Cup (GAP senior match play championship)
2009 Eastern Pennsylvania Senior Amateur
2008 DeBaufre Players Trophy – senior champion
2007 Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Tournament of Champions
2006 DeBaufre Players Trophy – senior champion
2006 Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Amateur
2006 Golf Association of Philadelphia Senior Tournament of Champions
2006 Chesapeake Cup (senior champion)
2006 Capital Cup Seniors
2005 Canada Cup
2004 Huntsville Invitational
2003 Capital Cup Seniors
2003 Smyers Cup
2001 George Hoffner Memorial
1998 Pennsylvania State Open -- Low Amateur
1996 Delaware Valley Open – Low Amateur
1994, 1995, 1997, and 1999 Palmer Cup
1990 and 1991 Golf Association of Philadelphia Silver Cross champion
1990 New Jersey PGA Section Pro-Scratch
YEAR 1: CLASS OF 2004
Robin McCool, 53 (age at time of induction)
Tournament victories:
1985 and 1996 A.B. Thorn
1985 Philadelphia PGA Section Pro-Scratch
1985 U.S. Public Links - championship medalist
1985 Delaware Valley Open – Low Amateur
1984 Delaware Valley Open – Low Amateur
1982 Delaware Valley Open – Low Amateur
1975 Arizona Collegiate champion
1975 NJCAA Region 1 champion
1973 Northern California Military Championship
Awards:
Pennsylvania Golf Association Senior Player of the Year: 2014
Golf Association of Philadelphia Player of the Year: 1990, 1997
John Kunda Memorial Award (Lehigh Valley Senior Player of the Year): 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013,
2014
Lehigh County Player of the Year: 1990, 1991, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006
Lehigh Valley Player of the Year runner-up: 1990, 1991, 2004
Phoenix College Athletic Hall of Fame: Inaugural Class: 2007
1976 NJCAA First Team All-American
Local Tournament Victories:
Lehigh Valley Amateur: 1986, 2002, 2012
Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship: 2010
Lehigh Valley Senior Inter-Club Championship: 2007, 2009, 2010 (holds 54-hole scoring record of 204, -9, 2007)
Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions: 2006, 2009, 2012 (holds 36-hole scoring record of 143, -1,
2007)
Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Match Play Championship: 2004
Lehigh Valley Amateur: oldest champion (61 years-old, 2012)
Lehigh Valley Amateur: most years between victories (26 years, 1986-2012)
Bethlehem Golf Club Amateur Stroke Play Championship -- Senior Amateur Division: 2013, 2014
(holds 36-hole senior amateur division scoring record of 7-under-par 69-66--135, set in 2014).
11-time Saucon Valley C.C. club champion: 1986, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2014
17-time C.A. Buck Cup champion: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,
2002, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2012. Saucon Valley CC medal play most titles record; broke the club record formerly
held by Clyde Oskin (14-time champion)
4-time Saucon Valley C.C. senior club champion: 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014 (holds 36-hole scoring record of 135, 7; set in 2006)
Most Saucon Valley Country Club major club titles: 32
Tarz Ford Memorial: 1985 (with Fran Tusak)
Paul Clymer Memorial: 1988 (with Fran Tusak)
YEAR 1: CLASS OF 2004
Robin McCool, 53 (age at time of induction)
Runner-up Finishes:
2014 Golf Association of Philadelphia – Brewer Cup (GAP senior match play championship)
2014 Lehigh Valley Senior Inter-Club Championship – runner-up
2014 Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship – runner-up
2013 Lehigh Valley Senior Tournament of Champions – runner-up
2013 Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship – runner-up
2012 Lehigh Valley Senior Amateur Medal Play Championship – runner-up
2010 Art Wall Jr. Memorial (Open Division) – runner-up
2007 Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up
2006 Coleman Invitational Senior runner-up
2005 Arizona San Tan Amateur runner-up
2001 Golf Association of Philadelphia -- Patterson Cup runner-up
1998 Golf Association of Philadelphia Mid-Amateur runner-up
1997 Golf Association of Philadelphia Stroke Play Champion -- Silver Cross runner-up
1992 Philadelphia Amateur runner-up
1989 Golf Association of Philadelphia Mid-Amateur runner-up
1989 New Jersey Amateur runner-up
1989 Baltusrol Invitational runner-up
1988 Baltusrol Invitational runner-up
1988 Lehigh Valley Amateur runner-up
1988 Golf Association of Philadelphia Mid-Amateur runner-up
1987 Golf Association of Philadelphia Mid-Amateur runner-up
1986 New Jersey Mid-Amateur runner-up
Other Accomplishments:
U.S. Amateur: Sectional Medalist: 1988
U.S. Mid-Amateur: Sectional Medalist: 1985, 1990, 1991
U.S. Senior Open: Sectional Medalist: 2001
Pennsylvania Mid-Amateur: Medalist: 1996
Philadelphia Amateur: Qualifying Medalist: 1990, 1991, 1997
Metropolitan Golf Association: IKE Championship: Sectional Medalist: 1988
HONORARY TEAMS:
Stoddard Bowl (New Jersey State Golf Association): 10-time selection, 1988 team captain
Compher Cup (New Jersey State Golf Association): 6-time selection
Compher Cup (Golf Association of Philadelphia): 8-time selection
Mason Dixon Matches (Golf Association of Philadelphia): 11-time selection, 2001 and 2010 team captain
Philadelphia Challenge Cup Matches (Golf Association of Philadelphia): 12-time selection, 1997, 2000, and 2010
team captain
Goldwater Cup (Arizona Golf Association): 4-time selection
FOUNDED:
Philadelphia Challenge Cup Matches (Golf Association of Philadelphia vs. Philadelphia Section PGA): 1991.
Named permanent GAP team captain for the Philadelphia Challenge Matches.
Golf Association of Philadelphia – Executive Committee; 2004-2012
13 career holes-in-ones
YEAR 1: CLASS OF 2004
Barry Klinikowski, 51 (age at time of induction)
Whitehall Township native
Now resides in Hermitage, Tennessee
Qualified for the 1991 U.S. Amateur
Lehigh Valley Amateur: record 5-time champion (1977, 1990, 1991, 1995, 2001)
2003 Tennessee PGA Chattanooga Coca-Cola Senior Open
4-time Willowbrook Golf Course club champion
9-time Old Hickory Golf Club club champion
Joe Hoch
1915 - 2009
Resided in Bethlehem
Head pro at Allentown Municipal from 1960 until his retirement in 1976
Advanced in 1953 U.S. Open local qualifying.
Competed in PGA Reading Open Championship in 1950 and 1951
1972 Philadelphia Section PGA Senior Pro-Junior Team Championship winner
Competed in professional tournaments against notable players such as Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan
Three-time Lehigh Valley Amateur champion: 1939, 1947, 1950
Allentown city champion: 1953
Four-time Green Pond CC club champion
Two-time Schuylkill Country Club Invitational Best Ball Championship: 1952, 1954
Three-time Saucon Valley Country Club caddy tournament champion
Kelly Gutshall, 79 (age at time of induction)
Resides in Springtown, PA
Head golf coach at Lehigh University for 16 years from 1990-2006.
13 tournament victories
Patriot League Coach of the Year: 1994, 1996
Patriot League champions: 1996,1997
12 Indian Valley CC club championships
11 Golf Association of Philadelphia tournament titles
Golf Association of Philadelphia – Distinguished Service Award – 2012
Has shot lower than his age (currently 79) 235 times (as of 9/14/2004)
Has shot lower than his age 1,087 times (as of 5/29/2011)
Has shot lower than his age 1,294 times (as of 10/31/2013)
Has shot lower than his age 1,377 times (as of 10/25/2014)
Has played over 500 golf courses in 13 countries
13 career holes-in-ones
© Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Foundation, 2015
* Lehigh Valley of Hall of Fame -- display wall of plaques:
In the future (within 5 years), plaques of the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame inductees will be
displayed at Green Pond Country Club. Green Pond was chosen to host the inductee plaques
because it is the annual host of the Lehigh Valley Amateur -- the region’s longest-running
amateur golf championship -- and because of the club’s historic commitment and respect for the rich
traditions of amateur golf that exist throughout the greater Lehigh Valley region.