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The Legend of Bob Ford

Jeffrey Brothers | June 14, 2023

Bob Ford was the Head Golf Professional at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania for 37 years and the equally prestigious Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach for 21 years. He started working at Oakmont at the age of 20 and by 25 assumed the role of head pro. Ford, a TaylorMade staff pro who recently retired from the company's Presidential Advisory Board, won numerous awards throughout his illustrious career including the Bob Jones award in 2017 and in 2005 he was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame.

In addition to reputation as being the consummate PGA Pro, Bob was known for his playing abilities, having won multiple Pennsylvania Opens. In 1983, while overseeing the merchandise tent for the U.S. Open, he placed 26 in the tournament. He is the last host pro to make the cut in the tournament.

Although Bob could rest his laurels on a lifetime of achievements, he believes his legacy will be the young golf professionals he has mentored (approximately 50) who have carved their path as head professionals at other clubs.

After retiring, the USGA invited Bob to be the starter for their U.S. Open for as long as he desires. He has been an influential member of Team TaylorMade since 2001, providing valuable guidance and insight to our staff program.

What is your favorite part of being the official announcer of the U.S. Open?

It’s a real honor to be involved in our national championship and I enjoy everything about the tournament. From the atmosphere, fans, watching the competition and for the past few years announcing on the first tee. I have been participating since 1971 either working or playing, and when the tournament was at Merion, I oversaw maintenance of the bunkers on the 3^rd green.

What do you do to prepare for the responsibilities of this role?

I don’t do too much preparation, mostly reviewing the names a few days before the tournament, and I appreciate that the names are spelled phonetically for me.

Who do you believe will win the U.S Open and why?

Tommy Fleetwood because of his recent play and his superb putting. Then Dustin Johnson sentimentally because he won the U.S. Open at Oakmont while I was there.

What is your favorite golf course to play?

I don’t have one favorite, but Oakmont and Seminole, of course, and also Pine Valley and Pebble Beach.

Do you have any “bucket list” courses you would like to play and have not yet?

There are none in particular but I will be traveling to Scotland for the Walker Cup with my two sons and son-in-law and look forward to playing there. One course I would like to play is Titirangi Golf Club in New Zealand.

What is the best piece of advice ever given to you on the golf course?

When starting out in the golf industry my mentor was Lew Worsham. I was trying to qualify for Tour School, and I asked Lew: “Do you think I am ready for it?” He turned it around and asked me: “Do you think you’re ready for it?” The lesson was to believe in yourself and not to worry too much about other people’s opinions.

Is there any career advice you would to share to individuals who are currently in or thinking about a career in the golf industry?

Do not get into the golf industry if you are not passionate about the game and are all in. There are no 40-hour work weeks in golf, and it is a lifestyle where much of the time you are taking care of everyone else. But it is important to take care of yourself as well.

Golf’s popularity grew significantly during the pandemic, what do you believe will be the key to continued growth and sustainability of the game?

I believe we are going to have a good long run due to the pandemic. From my understanding there are now more golfers off course than on, and we have to keep doing what we are doing well and continue to provide encouragement and support for beginners and recreational golfers.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I am 69 years old, retired from both jobs at Seminole and Oakmont and having a great time traveling and golfing with my kids and friends.

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