Rub of the Green Revisited | Trafford Publishing – Golf History & Coaching Legacy

Discover a Coach’s Lifelong Golf Journey

Rub of the Green Revisited offers a vivid look into the career of Bob, a dedicated golfer whose influence stretched from local junior programs to high school teams for decades. Set against a backdrop of competitive events and community involvement, this book blends memoir with the history of golf culture in Vigo County and Indiana. Readers will feel the texture of the greens, hear the cadence of practice routines, and sense the camaraderie that accompanies a lifelong pursuit of the sport.

What you’ll discover inside

This narrative goes beyond wins and titles to illuminate the people, routines, and relationships that shaped a coaching philosophy and a community’s love for golf.

• Coaching through eras: five summers teaching beginners and 26 seasons of high school guidance, including 24 at Terre Haute South.
• A track record of teamwork and sportsmanship that carried students to championships and career success as golf pros and competitive professionals.
• Milestones that reveal dedication: junior titles, college leadership, and multiple regional championships that built a lasting legacy.
• Recognition that honors the craft: Hall of Fame inductions and a reputation for mentoring players with integrity.

Key milestones you’ll read about

• 1949 Terre Haute Junior title as an early spark of competitive drive.
• Three Indiana Collegiate Conference championships and two Little State titles during ISU years.
• ISU’s Most Outstanding Athlete in 1954, the first golfer to receive the honor.
• Victories in events such as the Spaghetti Open, Roundup of Champions, and three Casey Opens.
• Team triumphs and partnership with Art Blakely to win the Terre Haute Four Ball in 1963.
• Leadership roles across golf clubs and associations, culminating in Hall of Fame recognition in 1994.

Who this book is for

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a coach, a student of sports history, or someone who appreciates a compelling human story, this book offers a window into a lifetime spent navigating competition, mentorship, and community involvement. The narrative invites you to reflect on what it means to dedicate oneself to a craft and to the people who share it with you.

Possible takeaways

• Insights into coaching younger players and building long-lasting programs.
• Appreciation for the ethical dimensions of sport—leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
• A sense of place: the role of local clubs and regional competitions in shaping a sport’s culture.
• Inspiration from a life committed to excellence, mentorship, and community involvement.