Ana Corey
It has been just three and half years since Dave Bowles, a beloved golf instructor at Robson Ranch, passed away suddenly. Dave was passionate about teaching the game of golf. He had that spark, which made everyone he came into contact with feel special. He was a wonderful instructor of both young and old alike. He initiated a Par 3 event to help golfers at Robson Ranch hone their short game. Devilish pin placements behind trees and in sand traps were not uncommon. Most of the pin placements were 80 to 100 yards out, sometimes from the rough. Played as a four-person scramble, winners were paid out of the pot generated by the $3 buy-in fee.
After Dave passed, his loss was felt keenly by many in the golf community. So, in his honor, the Par 3 event was continued, but now with a mission to continue Dave’s legacy not only for the members of Robson Ranch, but also for young golfers whom he especially loved to teach. So, the nonprofit Robson Ranch Memorial Scholarship Organization was created. Twice a month during the spring, summer, and fall, the Par 3 event is held, just as Dave first envisioned.
The event has grown from 30-40 players to 216 players each week using all three 9-hole courses. The organization itself has over 500 members who pay a $10 membership fee, which goes directly towards the scholarships, with a small portion for expenses. Players pay a $5 “buy-in” of which 50% goes to first-place through third-place winners. The remaining 50% goes into the scholarship fund. Often winners donate their prize winnings, and many generous participants donate extra towards the scholarships as well.
The organization is run by a six-person volunteer board. High school seniors who play golf on teams whose home course is the Wildhorse Golf Course may qualify for the scholarships. This year, two scholarships were awarded: one to Sophia Lohr in the amount of $6,500 and one to Creed Crockett in the amount of $3,500.
Sophia established the Chess Club at Guyer High School where she was a four-year starter on the Lady Guyer Golf Team Varsity 1. She also qualified for Regionals as a member of the Guyer Bass Team. She has been active in Caddies for Kids and the First Tee program for eight years. Sophia plans to attend North Texas Central College to play on the golf team and then transfer to a four-year university pursuing a graphic design degree.
Creed is a four-year starter for the Denton High Broncos. He and his family share a strong faith in God in whom he finds strength. Creed will be attending Universal Technical Institute where he’s been accepted in their Automotive/Diesel Program.
Last year, the Junior Scholarship Award was created for junior players who take golf lessons from Wildhorse pros Tyler Clark, Lone Star Golf Academy, and Stephen Zaudtke, Zautke Golf. This year, five scholarships were awarded in the amount of $1,000. Their commitment to the game and the dedication of their parents helped them to earn these awards. The winners are Ryder Wilson, a 1st grader at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Muenster; Jonah Diliberto, who is a two-time winner and a freshman at Chesterton Academy in Fort Worth; Will Donovan, a junior at Argyle High School; Tristan Buenteo, a 4th grader at Light Farms Elementary in Celina; and Reignbrent Dixon, a 7th grader at Coppell Middle School.
Congratulations to all the winners! We wish you all much success.