Golf Association of Philadelphia

OB FELTER’S INTEREST

in golf was born in a rural
New York soda shack. Sev-
enty years later, that early
curiosity came full circle
when Felter’s lifelong
dedication to the game was honored with the

2019 GAP Volunteer of the Year Award.

“When I received the call from [Director of Competitions] Kirby Martin regarding the Award, I was flabbergasted,” said Felter, 80, of Lititz, Pa. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s the top achievement of my career, that’s for sure.” The achiever’s journey began at 9 years old, when Felter started selling sodas for 10 cents a bottle to thirsty golfers. He always kept a hickory-shafted wedge close to his side, sneaking out for some short-game practice to the nearby golf course whenever the chance arose. Love for the game gained momentum after a move to New Jersey at 13 years old; Felter began caddying at Somerset Hills Country Club.

His connection to the GAP region didn’t come until later in life, though. Felter’s professional career as a self-deemed “industrial nomad” required eight moves throughout the country before rooting in Lancaster, Pa. in 1984.

“I don’t remember how exactly we had
heard of it, but I chose to go to a Kirby
‘spring training’ seminar as we like to call
it, and the rest was history,” said Felter, a
GAP volunteer since 2003. “My volunteering
began doing really whatever was needed,
Then came the course rating days. During
a Volunteers Day outing, Bob Harris, the
2018 Volunteer of the Year, mentioned to
Felter and Terry Radcliffe that he lost two
members of his rating team. Both Felter and
Radcliffe knew it was an opportunity they
couldn’t pass up.

“We went to the USGA the next spring, got certified, and started rating courses in

2004. We have been ever since,” said Felter, a former Lancaster Country Club member.

Felter is a mainstay on rating teams, whether it be with GAP or the Pennsylvania Golf Association. His focus remains on ratings in the Lancaster and Scranton areas.

“Rob is an integral part of our course
rating team, and his dedication is second to
none. He’s willing to go wherever, geo-
graphically, that we need him and he does
so with a smile on his face,” said GAP Di-
rector of Course Rating John Manos. “Rob
is knowledgeable enough to lead a group of
raters when needed but also can step back
and be a good teammate when the situation
calls for it.”
Besides volunteering here and there in tour-
nament roles, Felter also helps with course
setups. He admits that he was confused at
first about what exactly the setup entails, but
has grown very fond of the added role.

“Some people may say, ‘Yuck,’ when they
hear course setup, but I really enjoy it. It
gives me a full understanding of what goes
into any golf tournament,” said Felter. “From
stem to stern, I’ve seen every single thing
that goes into GAP events.”
One regret for Felter? Not getting involved
with the Rules of Golf.

“That’s really the only thing I haven’t
conquered and would have liked to. I would
have liked to have become a Rules expert,”
said Felter. “But hey, then you have to work
the entire day [at events].”
That regret for Felter — a volunteer who
has touched almost every aspect of the GAP
volunteering corps — displays how much
he’s contributed over the last 16 seasons. He
says the Association has become an extension
of his family, and giving back to golf has
become his hobby.

“That’s how you know this Association separates itself from the rest. It’s the best out there, and because of that, being honored with this Award means a great amount to me,” said Felter. m – Dan Scofield