IowaDaughter

Robert Nelson Fry (born November 29, 1922 in Keokuk, Iowa; died January 12, 1993) was a professional golfer instrumental in the development of golf in the Iowa and Illinois area.

Bob Fry began his golf career in Iowa as a caddy. He was headed for tour stardom when WWII required his assistance. Upon his return from WWII in 1944, Fry took the head pro position at the Elks' Fairview Country Club in Keokuk, Iowa.. His last year as an ameteur was documented in 1947 when Fry was defeated by Fred Gordon of Belmond in the Iowa Amateur. Fry moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, as head pro at the Fort Madison Country Club at the request of brothers Walt and John Sheaffer of Sheaffer Pen company.

In 1960, Bob took the head pro position for three municipal golf courses in Davenport, Iowa (Emeis, Duck Creek and Credit Island). He organized an exhibition match with Arnold Palmer and Gary Player at Emeis Golf Course in the early 1960's which established the Iowa Open at Emeis, and then the Quad Cities Open.

Bob became friends with Heisman trophy winner John Lujack, real estate developer Mel Foster, Jim McGloughlin, and restaurant owner Nic Chirekos. Together with many others, this core of friends built Crow Valley Country Club in Bettendorf, Iowa. In 1971, the Quad Cities Open (known today as the JOHN DEER CLASSIC) was held at Crow Valley. This tournament continues as an annual PGA tournament through 2010.

Fry won the Iowa Section PGA tournament five times, including a 1965 record-setting 66-62-128 round at Marshalltown to win by 15 strokes. He played in the Western Open countless times, and qualified for the Los Angeles, Tucson and Phoenix Opens for over 20 years. Fry also had 18 recorded holes in one.

Touring pros Lonnie Nielson, Jim Jameison, and Tommy Aaron were two of Fry's more famous pupils. Nielson was 17th in the 2007 money ranks for the PGA and is still going strong. Jameison won the Western Open and placed second at the Masters under Fry's watchful eye. The Michigan Golfer OH-LINE, in their discussion of Garland-Lewiston, part of the Gaylord Golf Mecca, says instructor "Lee Woodruff's philosophy of teaching comes from his long-time mentor, Bob Fry of Iowa. Fry always talked about balance in his lessons."

Lonnie Nielson once said, "I learned more about golf in a two-hour conversation with Bob Fry over coffee than I learned in a lifetime of lessons and practicing."

Jim Hasley, once an assistant to Fry before becoming a pro on his own, tells this story of Fry's character: "A member from one of the local country clubs came into the pro shop and wanted to purchase some new clubs. Fry asked why the member didn't buy these from his own pro. The member said he had been in an argument with the other pro. After the sale, Fry figured out the profit, wrote our a check to the other pro for that amount, and sent the check with a fatherly note to the other pro to get back on good terms with his member."

Fry was one of the few club professionals on the paid staff of Wilson Sporting Goods. Fry helped design and test new equipment. Some still use the special "Bob Fry grind" irons. Joe Phillips of Wilson Sporting Goods said at hearing of Fry's death, "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. We've lost a good friend."

Fry was inducted posthumously into the Iowa PGA Hall of Fame March 22, 1993.

Course Records:

  * Emeis Golf Course, Davenport, Iowa (29-29-62)
  * Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinios (63)
  * Crow Valley Golf Club, Bettendorf, Iowa (62)
  * Tamarron Golf Resort, Durango, Colorado (62)

Championships:

  * Iowa Open