Aquinas College

Inducted in 2006, came to Aquinas from Union High School (Grand Rapids) in 1974. While working on a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he was also a member of the Aquinas golf teams. Bob won school letters all four years and captained in 1978 team. He was a medalist in seven events during his final two years as well as an NAIA AllState performer in 1978 and 1979. Bob carried his love for the game into the local amateur ranks following college. In the 28 years since, he has accomplished a record that will likely go unmatched for many years. He is the top local amateur title holder with 24 wins to his name. His latest win came this past June, his ninth West Michigan Amateur Championship title. He has twice been a consecutive four-time winner of two area gold tournaments: the West Michigan Amateur (1992-95) and the Kent County Amateur (1989-92). He has won the Kent County Amateur and the Grand Rapids City Championship six times each and has three wins in the City Match Play. In addition to his many titles, Bob once again this year, was presented with the George Everse Trophy from the West Michigan Golf Association. The award is given annually to the golfer with the best scoring average in rounds played in the four local men’s major amateur events. Bob has received the award ten of the 16 years it has been presented. His professional career has been spent with Knape and Vogt, a local manufacturing firm, where he currently is transportation manager. Aside firm golf, Bob also enjoys woodworking in his spare time. He and his wife, Maribeth, have two grown children, Sara and John.