Published on February 22, 2017

Washington, United States: The United States Golf Association (USGA) will present its highest honour, the Bob Jones Award, to long-time Oakmont Country Club professional Bob Ford in a ceremony during the week of June’s 117th US Open Championship.
Presented annually since 1955, the Bob Jones Award recognises an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships.
Ford, considered one of the game’s great ambassadors, served as the head professional at Oakmont, a nine-time US Open host site, for 37 years before retiring last October. He continues to work in a similar capacity at Seminole Golf Club.
“We are proud to recognise Bob Ford with the USGA’s highest honour, for exhibiting the ideals and traditions of the game brought forth by Bob Jones,” said Diana Murphy, USGA President. “Bob has set the gold standard in his profession and has left an indelible mark on countless young club professionals whom he has mentored.
“He has instilled in each of them a passion, love, and appreciation for the game through his exemplary character, humility and respect for people. He is the best at what he does and uses his skills and time to bring out the best in them.”
During his tenure at Oakmont, the Philadelphia-area native served as a mentor to more than 100 golf professionals, instilling the values of honour and hard work that he continues to espouse. A gifted player, administrator and teacher, Ford left an indelible mark on the membership and the staff over more than four decades of service.
“I was blown away by President Murphy’s call,” said Ford, who started at the club in 1975 as an assistant to 1947 US Open champion Lew Worsham. “Being selected as the first PGA club professional to win the award makes it ever more special. I’m not so sure I belong in the company of former recipients, but nonetheless I’m very flattered and humbled. Bob Jones has impacted all the lives of those who serve and play this great game. Arnold (Palmer) and Jack (Nicklaus) were his friends and hold him in the highest regard and they both have handed the game down to my generation as Bob Jones did for them.”
During Ford’s tenure at Oakmont, he played a valuable role in helping the USGA provide the game’s grandest stage for four US Opens.
“Throughout his lengthy career at Oakmont, Bob has been a friend to me and a generous host to the USGA,” said Mike Davis, Executive Director/CEO of the USGA. “He has worked closely with us on eight championships, including four US Opens. During that time he never said no, never walked away and never failed to offer support. He shares the spirit and dedication to the game of golf that were the hallmarks of Bob Jones’ life.”
Ford’s impact on club professionals and advocacy for the game have translated to partners and professionals throughout the sport.
“During my eight years with Bob at Oakmont, I watched as he made the transition from assistant professional to head professional,” said Jack Druga, PGA Head Professional at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, which will host its fifth US Open in 2018. “There were no policies, procedures or manuals; we watched him in action. He led by example and made a significant impact on how I handle myself and what I bring to the job.”
In addition to his contributions to his profession, Ford is an accomplished player who qualified for three US Opens, two US Senior Opens and 10 PGA Championships. Ford also served as President of the Tri-State PGA from 1994-1998 and has received four national awards: 1985 and 1997 PGA National Merchandiser of the Year, 1987 PGA National Professional of the Year and 1988 PGA National Club Professional of the Year.
The Pittsburgh City Council acknowledged Ford’s contribution to the community during the 2016 US Open by declaring it ‘Bob Ford Week’.
Ford, 63, and his wife, Nancy, have three children, daughter Kelly and sons Jay and Chandler.
Ford joins a list of Bob Jones Award winners that includes national champions such as Francis Ouimet (1955), Babe Didrikson Zaharias (1957), Arnold Palmer (1971), Jack Nicklaus (1975), Ben Hogan (1976), Annika Sorenstam (2012) and Payne Stewart (2014), as well as those who have contributed to the fabric of the game in other meaningful ways, such as Richard S. Tufts (1967), Joe Dey (1977), Bing Crosby and Bob Hope (1978), PJ Boatwright Jr (1993), President George HW Bush (2008), Barbara Nicklaus (2015) and 2016 winner Judy Bell.