Class of 1984

Ross Collins

Golf Professional / Teacher

Biography

Ross Collins retired in 1985 after serving as head professional at Kerrville’s Riverhill Country Club since 1980. He began his career first as an assistant, then as head professional at Dallas Country Club. He then became PGA Head Golf Professional at Lakewood Country Club (Dallas), and finally PGA Head Golf Professional at Dallas Athletic Club. He was president of the Texas PGA section in 1961-62 and started the Section’s first education programs in 1959.

17 of his former assistants have become PGA of America professionals. For that, and his dedication to teaching, Collins was named the PGA of America’s Golf Professional of the Year in 1971. He is also an inductee in the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame, North Texas Athletic Hall of Fame, and the PGA of America Hall of Fame.

Among Collins’ other credits are a stint as athletic director and basketball coach at Arkansas A&M. While there, he won the Arkansas Open as an amateur in 1951, and the Arkansas State Amateur Championship in 1951, 1952, and 1953. Ross won the National Lefthanders championship four times, two amateur titles in 1950, and 1951, plus two pro titles in 1966 and 1967.

Ross Collins enjoyed retirement. He played golf every day. That comes as no surprise since Ross was a natural athlete, having earned 10 letters in tennis, golf and basketball at North Texas State as collegian.

During World War II he was a carrier-based pilot and winner of the Navy Cross.

Birthplace: Mingus, Texas

Born: March 14, 1922

Died: June 10, 2010

Legacy Video

Inductee Highlights

Service and Honors

President of the Texas PGA 1961-62
1971 PGA National Golf Professional of the Year
President of the Northern Texas PGA Section 1978
PGA of America Hall of Fame
North Texas State Athletic Hall of Fame - 1983
Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame
American Combat Airman Hall of Fame 2009

Competitor

1950,51, 53 Arkansas State Amateur Champion
1951 Arkansas Open Champion
1951 and 1952 National Left Handed Open Champion
1973-74 Northern Texas PGA Senior Champion
1981 Southern Texas PGA Senior Champion

Combat Airman Hall of Fame Medal

In 2009 Ross Collins was inducted into the American Combat Hall of Fame. He received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron ONE, attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON, in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 28 July 1945. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from many warships and numerous strategically-placed shore batteries, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Collins courageously launched a low-altitude dive bombing attack against an ISE Class battleship, scoring one direct hit and inflicting heavy damage on the enemy vessel. While retiring from the run, he strafed and silenced a gun installation which was laying down a barrage across the retirement course of friendly planes withdrawing from the target area. By his airmanship, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Collins upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

National Lefthanded Champion

Ross Collins distinguished himself as one of the game’s premier southpaw players, winning the National Left-Handed Open Championship in both 1951 and 1952. His back-to-back victories showcased his exceptional skill, consistency, and competitive spirit, earning him recognition as one of the most accomplished left-handed golfers of his era and securing his place in the sport’s history.

1971 PGA Professional of the Year

In 1971, Ross Collins, PGA, earned one of the game’s most prestigious honors when he was named the PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Presented by the PGA of America, this award recognizes exceptional service to the game, leadership in the profession, and a lasting impact on both players and the community. Collins’ selection reflected not only his skill as a teacher and ambassador for golf, but also his dedication to growing the sport and mentoring future generations. His passion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence cemented his reputation as one of the most respected figures in American golf.

From Assistant to Head Pro: A Legacy of Leadership

Ross Collins earned widespread admiration not just for his playing prowess and professional accolades, but also for his exceptional mentorship. Over his distinguished career, an impressive 17 of his assistants advanced to become PGA head professionals. Ross had the ability to inspire, teach, and prepare others for leadership. Among them were his three sons, Ross Jr., Fred, and Cary, each following in their father’s footsteps within the golf industry. His assistants, motivated by deep respect and a desire to meet the high standards he set, were eager to please him and often spoke of how his mentorship shaped their careers. This familial and professional legacy not only reflected the depth of his influence but also ensured that Ross Collins’ principles of excellence and integrity continued to resonate through a new generation of golf leaders.