By BUDDY PEARSON
Cookeville HERALD-CITIZEN Managing Editor
COOL SPRINGS — Bobby Nichols is still remembered and
respected by his golfing peers. Nearly a year after his death,
Nichols has been honored posthumously with the Tennessee Section
PGA Distinguished Career Award.
During the Club Car Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the
Section’s 42nd Annual Meeting on Monday at the Embassy Suites
in Cools Springs, Nichols was recognized for his accomplishments
during his 40-plus years as a PGA professional.
“This would have meant so much to him because this award came
from you all,” said Elaine Garrison, who accepted the award
on behalf of Ironwood Golf Course. “He loved golf so much and
you all meant so much to him.”
As a long-time PGA Professional and owner of Ironwood, Nichols
mentored many of the attending PGA Professionals while he served
over 30 years as the head coach of the TTU golf programs.
As a player, Nichols won over 100 tournaments, including the 1992
Tennessee State Open as well as the 1994, 1996 and 1997 Tennessee
Senior Opens. He qualified and played in 21 PGA Club Professional
Championships and two U.S. Senior Open Championships. Nichols also
qualified for every Tennessee PGA Cup Match Team from its inception
in 1968 to 2007, serving as Team Captain four times.
Nichols’ career as a PGA pro began in 1963 as the head
professional at the Cookeville Country Club. Nichols later became
the PGA Pro at Ironwood where he eventually took over as the
owner.
“His spirit lives at Ironwood,” said Garrison.
“That is where we are going to proudly display this
award.”
The Distinguished Career Award is the highest honor the Tennessee
PGA can bestow upon a golf professional.
To be eligible, an individual must be a PGA member for over 25
years and have made significant contributions to the game of
golf.
A complete list of winners from the awards luncheon are available
at the TPGA web site at www.golfhousetennessee.com.
