Martin inducted

0

Tribune staff reports

The late Larry Martin, formerly of Seymour, recently was inducted into the West Virginia Golf Association Hall of Fame.

In 1974, Martin went to West Virginia, where he started as an assistant golf professional at Parkersburg Country Club and later become the head golf professional as well as general manager.

In 1976, he was the youngest Class A golf professional in the United States at the age of 23.

Martin spent 25 years with Parkersburg Country Club and 18 of those as both general manager and head golf professional, doing everything he could to promote amateur golf in not only Parkersburg but for the entire state of West Virginia.

Martin was instrumental in helping raise approximately a half-million dollars for Parkersburg area charities through the annual Sour Mash Open, as well as fundraisers for the Bryce/Litzkie scholarship, which is presented to high school seniors with high academic achievements and a strong interest in golf.

He promoted junior golf within the state of West Virginia.

Now, 30 years later, the Callaway Junior Tour continues to grow and succeed with more than 400 kids playing more than 2,000 rounds of competition golf during the summer months.

Martin’s philanthropy with the game of golf didn’t go unnoticed, as Martin was named PGA Professional of the Year 10 times as well as Merchandiser of the Year in 1986.

Martin also was named Junior Leader of the Year six times by the PGA of America Tri-State Section, and in 2005 was awarded with the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which is given to those who demonstrate a true dedication to the game.

In 2005, Martin also was named one of Golf World Business’ top-25 sales reps in the country, and in 2008 was named the Callaway Golf Salesman of the Year.

No posts to display