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