Buffalo Peak’s Rosholt to be recognized by PGA

HALL OF FAME WORTHY: After a lifetime of accomplishments on the golf course, Bill Rosholt is being inducted into the Northwest Section of the PGA Hall of Fame. - The Observer/PAUL HARDER

Golf grew on the Lewiston, Idaho, native. The passion

trickled down from John, his older brother.

Now Rosholt is headed into the Pacific Northwest Section PGA Hall of Fame.

“It’s a very humbling thing,” Rosholt said. “I never expected this great honor.”

He began playing in 1959. As a senior in high school Rosholt helped his team capture the state golf title, and he did it again as a senior at Idaho State College.

Those experiences fueled the fire for a 22-year career that’s still going strong.

Rosholt used his love for golf in the best way, giving back to the game that provided so many opportunities.

“It’s been a great gift,” Rosholt said. “I’ve been able to travel around due to the game of golf. The best part is all the friendships I’ve made.”

He started in 1977, taking the position of head golf professional at Twin Lakes Village Golf and Racquet Club.

He continued to make his mark. Rosholt took the same position at Alta Lake Golf Course in 1980. A year later he came to La Grande after being named the head professional and general manager at the La Grande Country Club in 1981. He held that position until 2007. Rosholt currently works for Buffalo Peak Golf Course as the director of Golf Promotion and Economic Development for Union County with emphasis on management.

That wasn’t enough for the golf enthusiast.

Rosholt’s interest in the rules of golf steered him into serving on PNW Section Rules Committee. He served as the chairman from 1988-94.

Rosholt still wanted to get involved more. His interest in association politics led him to be elected president of Central Washington Chapter and thus on the PNWPGA Section board of Directors in 1990. He served through 1994.

In 1994 Rosholt campaigned and won election as president of Pacific Northwest Section PGA. He also won a second term and served through 1998.

“It was a very busy and fun time,” Rosholt said. “I met a lot of great people and saw a lot of great golf.

He was a three-time starter at the PGA Championship. He observed the Ryder Cup twice.

During his career Rosholt became very decorated. He was named the Golf Professional of the Year six times. Rosholt won the Horton Smith Trophy and was named the Bill Strasbaugh winner three times.

The Pacific Northwest Section PGA was established in 1922, and serves more than 1,250 members.

It covers Washington, Oregon, Northern Idaho, Western Montana and Alaska.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1981.