Bob Ross

(Class of 2024)

Bob Ross is best known for his tenure as the PGA Head Professional at Baltusrol Golf Club, a role he held from 1976-1996. While at Baltusrol, he was honored by the PGA of America as Golf Professional of the Year (1981) and Merchandiser of the Year (1989).  Considered the consummate golf professional, Ross is respected for his career of devoted service to his membership, mentoring dozens of young golf professionals, a strong playing record, and for hosting multiple national championships and earning national recognition for his achievements.

An accomplished player, Ross won the New Jersey Senior Open, the Pennsylvania Open, and Philadelphia PGA Section Championship. He competed in six PGA and USGA Championships along with eight PGA and USGA Senior championships. When Baltusrol hosted the 1980 U.S. Open, Ross was the first host professional to qualify for the event in two decades.

In recognition of his achievements, Ross was inducted into the Philadelphia PGA Section Hall of Fame in 2000, the New Jersey PGA Section (NJPGA) Hall of Fame in 2003 and was honored with the 2017 NJPGA/NJSGA Distinguished Service Award. During his time at Baltusrol, he was named NJPGA Golf Professional of the Year and NJPGA Merchandiser of the Year (in addition to his national honors of the same nature). Also of note, Ross was instrumental in the development of Hawk Pointe Golf Club (in Warren County), where he was the Director of Golf after its opening in 2000.

Born in Vermont, Ross grew up in Connecticut and learned the game of golf as a caddie at Shennecossett Golf and Country Club in Groton. Later, he enrolled at Pasadena City College in California where he was coached by two-time PGA Championship winner Paul Runyon. After college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the 77th Special Forces unit at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Before arriving at Baltusrol, Ross was first hired as an assistant Shennecossett before moving on to another assistant position in Amarillo, Texas. His first head job was at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club in Selingsgrove, Pa., where he performed the dual role of head professional and greenkeeper. Then came a succession of head professional jobs: Valley C.C. in Hazelton, Pa.; North Hills in the suburbs of Philadelphia; and the prestigious Philadelphia Cricket Club prior to his appointment at Baltusrol in 1976.