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Iowa Golf Hall of Fame
Bob Fry
Born November 29, 1922 in Keokuk, IA Bob Fry
began his career in golf at an early age. At 9, Fry began to caddy and
learn the game of golf. His development, however, was halted by WWII,
where Bob served as a Sergeant in the 69th Squadron, 433rd
Troop Carrier Group in New Guinea and Guam. Upon his return, Bob picked
up right where he left off with a runner-up finish in the 1947 Iowa
Amateur.
In 1960 Bob became the head
professional at the 3 municipal golf courses in Davenport (Emeis, Duck
Creek, Credit Island). One of his greatest accomplishments, while a pro
in the Davenport area, was being able to convince Arnold Palmer and Gary
Player to come and play in an exhibition match at Emeis. This
exhibition match at Emeis allowed Bob to begin the Quad Cities Open
which is still currently a tournament on the PGA Tour, now known as the
John Deere Classic. Because of the success of the exhibition match and
the Quad Cities Open, Bob, along with Johnny Lujack, Franklin Barnard,
Jim and Ray McGloughlin from John Deere, and Nic Chirekos, and others
developed Crow Valley Golf Club in Bettendorf. Crow Valley was designed
with the PGA Tour and Fry was able to bring the Quad Cities open to the
club.
Besides the fact that he was a great
promoter of the game, Bob was also a great teacher of the game. Three
of his most famous students include touring pros Lonnie Nielson, Tommy
Aaron, and Jim Jamieson. Lonnie Nielson had this to say of Fry, “I
learned more about golf in a two-hour conversation over coffee with Bob
Fry, than I learned in a lifetime of lessons and practicing.”
When the duties of a PGA Professional
allowed Fry to finally play, he was able to take full advantage of his
skills. Fry was a very good player and the results showed. Fry was a
5-time Iowa Section PGA Champion, and had an Iowa Open title to his
credit. He played in several tour events including the Western Open,
Los Angeles, Tucson, and Phoenix, while also qualifying for 6 PGA
Championships. Just another statistic to add to an already fantastic
playing career, Bob recorded an incredible 18 hole-in-ones in his
lifetime. To sum up Bob Fry’s career Joe Phillips of Wilson Sporting
Goods said this after Bob’s passing:
"Bob
Fry was the epitome of a golf professional. Although an expert golfer
himself, he dedicated his life to teaching golf and helping others
improve their game".
Career Highlights
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Iowa Open Champion - 1967
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5 time Iowa Section PGA Champion - 1959,
'63, '65, '66, '74
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Iowa-Western Illinois Match Play Champion -
1972
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Iowa Section PGA President - 1957-59
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Developed Crow Valley Golf Club and started
the Quad Cities Open, now the John Deere Classic a current
PGA Tour stop.
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1947 Iowa Amateur Runner-Up
Bob Fry Tells Golf Club Pros What's Important
1. He must be a good professional instructor and know
the fundamentals and mechanics of the golf swing.
2. He must be a good merchandiser and stock his shop to
the satisfaction of club members.
3. He must be familiar with every phase of golf activity
at his club and must understand tournament operations.
4. He must be a public relations man for his club.
5. He must have knowledge of the golf course, and the
many problems connected with it
6. He must understand the problems of the club manager
and give him all possible cooperation.
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