ROBERT “BOB” FORD, SR.
GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Coach Robert “Bob” Ford, Sr. was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi and initially played baseball at Provine High School and at Jackson State University. It wasn’t until 1989 that Mr. Ford played his first round of golf after moving from Jackson, Mississippi to St. Louis, Missouri with his brother, Curt Ford, who played professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies. After falling in love with the game of golf and tenaciously practicing, Ford quit his job as the general manager of a St Louis Health Club to pursue a professional career in golf. Initially, Ford started off playing as a golfer, but quickly realized his passion for teaching and coaching. Most importantly, Ford using his teaching as a ministry coaching players to learn and grow from novice to avid golfers.
Professional Golf Experience Includes:
- Head Golf Instructor, PGA Tour Superstore, Birmingham, Alabama
- Designed and Built the Howard D. Catchings’ Golf Driving Range & Putting Green for inner-city youth kids in the
Mississippi Delta, Lambert, Mississippi
- Golf Professional, The Links of Madison County Golf & Country Club, Canton, Mississippi
- Golf Professional, Greystone Golf & Country Club, Birmingham, Alabama
- Head Golf Professional & Instructor, Forest Park Golf Courses, St Louis, Missouri
- Golf Instructor, Belhaven College, Jackson, Mississippi
- Golf Instructor, Meramec Community College, St Louis, Missouri
- Golf Instructor, Arnold Palmer Management-Spencer Olin Community Golf Course, St. Louis
- Golf Instructor, Tiger Woods Jr. Golf Foundation, Memphis, Tennessee; Chicago, Illinois; New Orleans, Louisiana
- Golf Coach, Northwest Rankin High School, Flowood, Mississippi
- Head Men’s & Women’s Golf Coach, Belhaven University, Jackson, Mississippi
- First Tee Coach of Missouri Bluffs, St. Louis, Missouri
- Assistant Golf Coach, Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Director of Golf, North County Golf & Sports Complex, St. Louis, Missouri
Throughout, Ford’s career, he has received various recognitions and awards such as the first African American to hold the title of “PGA Apprentice of the Year” for Gulf States Section (Mississippi Chapter) and President/Vice- President of PGA Apprentice Assistant for the Gulf States Section. While away from the game of golf, Ford is a philanthropist and uses his gifts and talents by changing and empowering young men by sharing his life story and experiences that he has gone through and learned from to help the younger generation by giving back to the community and through mentorship through his “Dressing for Success” workshops and conferences. Also, Ford is the host of the “Robert “Bob’ Ford, Sr. Talk Show” and “Let’s Talk Golf with Robert “Bob” Ford, Sr. & Friends”.
Ford’s mission is to introduce people to the game of golf and to provide them with skills and knowledge to play with confidence for business, networking, relaxation, and most importantly fun!