A PGA Life Member with a career spanning over four decades, Bob Elliott has left an indelible mark on the game of golf through his leadership, mentorship, and passion for growing the sport. As Head Golf Professional at Northwood Club (1981–2015), Bob shaped one of the premier private club experiences in the country, mentoring 18 assistants who have gone on to serve as Head Professionals or Directors of Golf.

Bob's influence extends far beyond the golf shop. A 1993 NTPGA Golf Professional of the Year and finalist for the PGA of America National Professional of the Year in 1999, he has been recognized for his dedication to both the profession and his peers. His leadership within the PGA of America includes serving as National District 12 Director (2000–2003) and running twice for Secretary of the PGA of America, finishing as a finalist in both 2004 and 2006.

An expert in club operations and tournament management, Bob has qualified for five Byron Nelson Classics and the 1983 PGA Championship. His passion for the game also extends to philanthropy, having raised over $2 million for junior golf and charitable causes through events like the Westcott Pro-Am, Gatlin Brothers Celebrity Golf Tournament and the AJGA Justin Leonard Team Championship.

His expertise in club operations and leadership development continues through consulting roles with Ethos Club & Leisure, True North GC and Northwood Club, helping to recruit top-tier golf professionals and executives. Most recently, he served as Interim Director of Golf at Vaquero Club in 2023, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted advisor in the private club industry.

Bob's impact on course design and renovation is equally impressive. From 2005 to 2015, he worked alongside renowned architect Tripp Davis to execute Northwood Club's Golf Course Master Plan, which was later voted the best course renovation in 2018.

A student of the legendary Harvey Penick, Bob learned the game alongside Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite, carrying forward a deep respect for the traditions and values of golf. His dedication to the game, his peers and the next generation of professionals has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in private club golf.

Early Years in Golf

• Learned the game under Harvey Penick, alongside Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite
• Qualified for U.S. Junior Championship (1969)
• Qualified for U.S. Amateur Championship (1971)
• Former holder of three course records—Pleasant Valley (61); Dallas Athletic Club (62); and Northwood Club (64)
• Began his professional career under the tutelage of Ross Collins, a PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year, at Dallas Athletic Club (1977–1980)

Professional Career

• PGA Member since 1978
• Head Golf Professional and Director of Golf, Northwood Club, Dallas (34 years, 1981–2015)
• Elevated one of Texas' premier private clubs through sustained operational excellence and leadership
• Hosted four U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers between 2000 and 2013
• Instrumental in working with Tripp Davis and the Master Golf Course Committee to bring Northwood Club's Golf Course Master Plan to realization; voted best renovation in 2018

PGA Leadership and Governance

• District 12 Director, PGA of America Board of Directors (2000–2003)
• Candidate for PGA of America National Secretary in 2004, narrowly defeated in one of the closest elections in PGA history
• Candidate for national office again in 2006, finishing third
• Northern Texas PGA Board of Directors, 15 years
• Northern Texas PGA President, 1992–1993
• National PGA Education Committee Member
• National PGA Tournament Committee Member

Section Honors

Recipient of six Northern Texas PGA Section awards:

• 1992 Merchandiser of the Year, Private Category
• 1985 and 1989 Horton Smith Award (now Professional Development Award)
• 1993 Golf Professional of the Year
• 1999 Finalist for PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year
• 2006 Bill Strausbaugh Award
• 2016 Distinguished Service Award

Competitive Accomplishments

• 2001 Northern Texas PGA Professional Championship Champion
• Competed in the 1983 PGA Championship at Riviera Country Club
• Competed in five Byron Nelson Championships
• Six NTPGA Team Major Championships
• 12 Texas Joe Black Cup Matches
• Ninth all time on NTPGA Joe Black Cup points list
• Fifth highest winning percentage in NTPGA history
• Two-time Joe Black Cup Captain (1994, 2005)

Mentorship and Professional Development

• 18 assistant professionals advanced to Head Professional or Director of Golf positions under his leadership
• Seven former assistants won Northern Texas PGA Section Awards
• Widely respected advisor to PGA Professionals nationwide on operations, marketing, junior golf programming, and career advancement

Philanthropy and Junior Golf Impact

• Pro Ams (1997, 2002, 2009), raising $550,000 for the NTPGA Foundation
• Co-Chair, Gatlin Brothers Celebrity Golf Tournament (1979–1995), raising over $1,000,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Co-Chair, AJGA Justin Leonard Team Championship (1997–2006), raising $1.8M in scholarships for the NTPGA Foundation
• Contributed $25,000 to the Northern Texas PGA's Capital Campaign

Industry Service after Retirement

• Consultant to PGA Magazine from 2016 to 2020
• Director of Instruction, True North Golf Club, Harbor Springs, MI (2017–2019)
• Search Committee Member for the Director of Golf at Northwood Club (2021)
• Consultant with GSI Search Firm (2022 to Present)
• Interim Director of Golf at Vaquero Club (2023)
• Consultant with True North Golf Club on hiring for General Manager, Head Professional and Superintendent (2023–2024)