NJSGA Welcomes New Hall of Fame Class in 2023
KENILWORTH, N.J. - The New Jersey State Golf Association celebrated its sixth Hall of Fame class on Wednesday, May 4 at Galloping Hill Golf Course, headquarters of the NJSGA. Stand out golfers Oswald Kirkby and Ann Probert were recognized as well as successful golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Video: Watch the Induction Ceremony
The Class of 2023 joins a distinguished group that has made a unique and lasting impact on the game of golf in New Jersey. Established in 2018, the NJSGA Hall of Fame was established to recognize and enshrine men and women who, as New Jersey natives or residents at their time of achievement, have impacted New Jersey golf and/or have made extraordinary contributions to the game through competitive and non-competitive accomplishments. The mission is to honor New Jersey’s finest amateur and professional golf competitors, as well as those who have made outstanding contributions in other areas of golf such as architects, journalists, superintendents, mentors, volunteers and others.
In attendance to accept the honor for Oswald Kirkby was his great grandson, Kirk Ressler. Recognized posthumously, Kirkby (1886-1934) won his first New Jersey Amateur at Atlantic City Country Club. He went on to win a total of three New Jersey Amateur Championships and three Met Amateur Championships throughout his career.
For Robert Trent Jones Sr., his two children, Bobby Jones and Rees Jones traveled to celebrate their fathers legacy and achievements.
Ann Probert had a large contingent join in the evenings festivities. From family to fellow female competitors, to Somerset Hills members and more, Probert was celebrated for her illustrious career. Her daughter, Leslie Sirbaugh introduced her mother, providing personal insights on their relationship and her golf career.
“Despite our teasing about accommodating mom's golf, what we genuinely cherish is how much mom's golf has given to us and to others,” expressed Sirbaugh. “We've been able to witness mom spread her love of golf through volunteering, first for the Women’s Met, then along with the USGA for 20 plus years as Co-chair of the Curtis Cup at Somerset Hills in 1990. In a sport that has its historical connotations as being a man's game, our family has never entertained such a thought.”
Probert has had no shortage of championships to her name. Additionally, Probert was a dedicated volunteer, serving many years in multiple capacities. In 2002 she received the Judy Bell award and the 2009 Ike Grainger Award by the United States Golf Association.
“One of the greatest benefits of receiving this award has been has been my ability to be able to look back on my life and reflect on the tremendous impact golf has had and brought to me throughout my many years,” reflected Probert.
Probert shared thoughtful sentiments about the game of golf, her appreciation and what is really teaches us.
“Many of my reflections of my golfing past are primarily shaped by the many exceptional people I have met along the way,” Probert commented. “Golf awards us so many opportunities. We play beautiful courses and wonderful sights. We learn tradition, respect for our surroundings and other players, integrity and humility on days when our game escapes us. But most of all, we cherish the people we meet who become lifelong friends. We all share a common passion for the game and an eagerness to get out there again. Wishing that we might find the secret in our next swing.”
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