BOB FORD, PGA
PGA
Retired PGA Professional
of America Hall of Fame Inductee
What is your go-to Music?
Neil Young
What is your go-to Movie?
The Godfather
What is your go-to Food? Fish or Chicken
What is your go-to Snack?
Chips and red licorice
What is your go-to Club in your bag/best part of your game?
Driver
What is your best round of Golf?
62 at Old Elm Club in Chicago
62 at Quicksilver Golf Club
Where did you grow up?
Valley Forge, PA
BOB FORD, PGA
Could you tell us about your family?
- Are you married, and do you have any children?
I married my wife, Nancy, in 1980, and we have a daughter, two sons, and three grandchildren.
Daughter, Kelly (Born 1990), is married to Ryan Cameron with children Quinn (Born 2023) and Ford (Born 2025)
Son, Jay (Born 1992), is married to Emory with a daughter, Elle (Born 2023)
Son, Chandler (Born 1994)
Tell us something that people might be surprised to learn about you.
I could cry at a Walmart Opening.
Can you name two of your favorite golf courses that you've played, and what makes them unique to you?
Oakmont Country Club and Seminole Golf Club; 2 top ten courses that I worked at.
What initially drew you to the game of Golf, and how did you get started?
Caddying and I loved sports in general, but couldn't run, so Golf became my game!
BOB FORD, PGA
How long have you been a PGA member, and what made you decide to pursue a career in the PGA of America? I have been a member since 1979. It was a backup if I didn't make the PGA Tour.
What does being a PGA of America Member mean to you?
I'm very proud of being a member of the PGA of America, and I don't know where I'd be if I weren't a member. They have offered me education, a network of so many friends around the country, and many wonderful playing opportunities.
What wisdom can you offer about golf careers and the importance of becoming a PGA member?
I highly recommend becoming a member of the PGA to golfers who are passionate to play the game at a high level. Men/Women who love to help people, who aren't interested in a "Job", it's really a lifestyle, and if you don't like to play golf and give back to people, don't do it!!!
If you could play one round of golf with any three people (alive or deceased), who would you choose to play with? I would play with my two sons and a son-in-law.
Could you share any notable achievements, accolades, or recognitions you have received?
Playing Achievements:
3 Time U.S. Open Contestant
3 Time U.S. Senior Open Contestant
10 Time PGA Championship Contestant
5 Time Senior PGA Championship Contestant
3 Time Senior Open Championship Contestant
5 Time PGA Cup Team Member
3 Time Pennsylvania Open Champion
2 Time Pennsylvania PGA Champion
8 Time Tri-State Open Champion (Namesake of The Bob Ford Championship Trophy)
Awards & Achievements:
1985 National PGA Merchandiser of the Year
1986 Tri-State PGA Horton Smith Award
1987 Tri-State PGA Teacher of the Year
1987 National Club Professional of the Year
1988 National Club Professional Player of the Year
1994-1998 President, Tri-State PGA
1996 Allegheny Kiski-Valley Sports Hall of Fame BOB FORD, PGA
BOB FORD, PGA
Awards & Achievements: (Continued)
1997 National PGA Merchandiser of the Year
1998 Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame
2004 Master Professional Teaching/Coaching
2005 PGA of America Hall of Fame
2006 University of Tampa Sports Hall of Fame
2017 USGA Bob Jones Award
2023 William D. Richardson Award (Golf Writers Association of America)
Miscellaneous:
1995 Co-Author of a golf instructional book: Golf: The Body, The Mind, The Game
Advisory Boards: (Currently Serving)
TaylorMade/Adidas
Straight Down Clothing Company
Pennsylvania Golf Association Executive Committee
Golf Business Network(GBN)
Fownes Foundation
Head Golf Professional: Oakmont Country Club (37 Years)
Seminole Golf Club (21 Years)