Trending
CLICK HERE to view a USGA video on Bob Lewis
Warren native Bob Lewis, one of the outstanding amateur golfers in the United States, died on Tuesday at the age of 76.
A resident of Pepper Pike in suburban Cleveland, Lewis had battled lung cancer in recent years.
Lewis was inducted into the Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and into the Northern Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2003. He received the Bob Jones Award last week from the United States Golf Association.
That award has been presented annually since 1955 to the individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the USGA.
In citing his achievements, the USGA said Lewis' "character is exemplified" by him serving as a volunteer golf coach at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills. He also sat on the board of the Northeastern Ohio chapter of Boys Hope Girls Hope, which provides support for at-risk youths, and played a leading role in establishing the "Values and Visions" education endowment in support of Catholic education.
The Walker Cup played a large role in Lewis' career. He played on four consecutive winning teams (1981, '83, '85, '87) in the amateur team competition between the U.S. and a team from Great Britain and Ireland. He was a non-playing captain for the U.S. team in 2003 and 2005, losing the former and winning the latter, with both competitions coming down to the final hole.
Lewis, who learned golf early in life from his mother, who had a 1-handicap and drove him around to tournaments, won the Ohio Amateur on his 24th birthday (July 12) in 1968 after playing collegiately at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. He turned professional and played on the PGA Tour from 1971 to 1974.
Lewis decided to leave the pro ranks -- "I just wasn't a good enough putter," he said in a story published by Global Golf Post -- and returned to the amateur game. He also returned to Warren to help run the family business, Welded Tubes Inc., a steel tubing manufacturing company that his father had founded in 1958.
After regaining his amateur status, Lewis won the Ohio Open again in 1978, and had success in the USGA, playing in 31 championships with three runner-up finishes. He played in the Masters seven times, earning low amateur status in 1987, and played in three U.S. Open championships.
"I am so deeply humbled to receive this award," Lewis said about the Bob Jones Award in a USGA press release. "To be included among such a special group of influential figures in the game, who I love and respect, moves me beyond words.
"The USGA has played such an important role in my life. Many of my fondest memories in amateur golf come from representing our country as both a player and captain of the USA Walker Cup Team. Bob Jones was the ultimate amateur and I am truly honored to be included in his company."
His selection to the USA Walker Cup teams, as well as his high finishes in the U.S. Amateur, enabled Lewis to earn seven invitations to the Masters Tournament, where he finished as low amateur in 1987. He also qualified for three U.S. Opens (1978, 1983, 1986).