GREAT AMERICAN TOURING PROFESSIONAL – BOB TOSKI

During his playing prime, he weighed all of 118 lbs.  But, slight stature did nothing to stop USGTF professional Robert John “Bob” Toski from reaching the pinnacle of the golf world as both a player and a teacher. He was born in 1926 in Massachusetts, and followed his three older brothers into the golf profession.  After he served during World War II, Toski embarked on his playing career.  In 1954, he had his best season, winning four times, including the prestigious George S. May’s World Championship of Golf, with its then-astounding first-place prize of $50,000.  Toski birdied four of the first five holes during the final round and went out to a six-shot lead, of which he promptly gave three back with a triple bogey at the sixth.  After 14 holes, he was three shots behind Jack Burke Jr., but Burke double-bogeyed the par-5 15th while Toski eagled it, and he hung on for the biggest victory of his career. Two years later he retired from full-time competition, last playing on the PGA Tour in 1980 at Doral.  He played on what is now the Champions Tour in the 1980s with 13 top-10 finishes.  As good a player Toski was, he made even a greater mark in the teaching industry.  Renowned as one of the greatest teachers of all time, he was instrumental in starting the Golf Digest Instructional Schools in 1971.  He has taught many major champions, and continues to teach to this day.  He has also contributed several articles over the year exclusive to Golf Teaching Pro magazine. Oh yes, he can still play.  He recently shot a 73 on a 6,400-yard course.  That’s not bad, especially considering Toski is now 86 years old.  Whether that’s a record or not is of no importance to him, but what does remain important is teaching and making sure is students enjoy the game.