Ohio Athletics Mourns The Loss Of Kermit Blosser Hall of Fame Member Dow Finsterwald
11/11/2022 2:43:00 PM | General
ATHENS, Ohio –  Ohio Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of Kermit Blosser Hall of Fame member and 1958 PGA Championship champion, Dow Finsterwald.
The son of fellow Ohio Athletics Hall of Famer Russ Finsterwald, Dow Finsterwald was a 1952 graduate of Ohio and competed on the golf team for four seasons. Finsterwald turned pro in 1951, where he won 11 times on the PGA Tour, including the 1958 PGA Championship. Finsterwald finished third at The Masters twice, and was the 1958 PGA Player of the Year.Â
"We mourn the loss of a Bobcat legend," head men's golf coach Brennan Whitis said. "Dow was an icon for Ohio University golf, the Athens community, and his time with the PGA. He loved his family, his friends, and his commitment to the game. My condolences are with the Finsterwald family."
After Finsterwald's playing career, he served as the Director of Golf at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, served as PGA of America Vice President and on the USGA Rules of Golf Committee.
"The entire Broadmoor family, as well as the Colorado Golf Community, are deeply saddened with the recent passing of Dow Finsterwald," Jack Damioli, president of The Broadmoor and two-time Ohio graduate said. "Dow was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word and always had time to speak to our guests and members. Personally, I will miss seeing him around the golf operation, where he was a mainstay for almost 60 years. Dow and I spoke frequently about our Bobcat connection and our love for Ohio University and the Athens area. He was very proud of his connection to Ohio University and his impact upon the OU golf program."
Finsterwald's PGA Championship was the first stroke play major tournament championship ever.
"Dow was destined to a career in sports because of his father's influence, and golf was fortunate to have him as a player, teacher and administrator," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. "His contributions to our sport were significant, and we take time today to remember Dow and all of his accomplishments in a well-lived life."
Dow Finsterwald is preceded by his wife of sixty-three years, Linda Pedigo Finsterwald; and his son, Michael. He is survived by his sons, John Edward, Dow Henry Finsterwald II, and Russell Edwin Finsterwald; his daughter, Jane Ellan Finsterwald; his grandchildren, Michael, Katy Ann, Tres Dow III, Russell, and James; and six great-grandchildren.
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In respect, and in lieu of flowers, contributions to the Dow and Linda Finsterwald Sports Management Scholarship can be made through Ohio University at give.ohio.edu/funds (search for: The Dow and Linda Finsterwald Sports Management Scholarship).
The son of fellow Ohio Athletics Hall of Famer Russ Finsterwald, Dow Finsterwald was a 1952 graduate of Ohio and competed on the golf team for four seasons. Finsterwald turned pro in 1951, where he won 11 times on the PGA Tour, including the 1958 PGA Championship. Finsterwald finished third at The Masters twice, and was the 1958 PGA Player of the Year.Â
"We mourn the loss of a Bobcat legend," head men's golf coach Brennan Whitis said. "Dow was an icon for Ohio University golf, the Athens community, and his time with the PGA. He loved his family, his friends, and his commitment to the game. My condolences are with the Finsterwald family."
After Finsterwald's playing career, he served as the Director of Golf at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, served as PGA of America Vice President and on the USGA Rules of Golf Committee.
"The entire Broadmoor family, as well as the Colorado Golf Community, are deeply saddened with the recent passing of Dow Finsterwald," Jack Damioli, president of The Broadmoor and two-time Ohio graduate said. "Dow was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word and always had time to speak to our guests and members. Personally, I will miss seeing him around the golf operation, where he was a mainstay for almost 60 years. Dow and I spoke frequently about our Bobcat connection and our love for Ohio University and the Athens area. He was very proud of his connection to Ohio University and his impact upon the OU golf program."
Finsterwald's PGA Championship was the first stroke play major tournament championship ever.
"Dow was destined to a career in sports because of his father's influence, and golf was fortunate to have him as a player, teacher and administrator," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. "His contributions to our sport were significant, and we take time today to remember Dow and all of his accomplishments in a well-lived life."
Dow Finsterwald is preceded by his wife of sixty-three years, Linda Pedigo Finsterwald; and his son, Michael. He is survived by his sons, John Edward, Dow Henry Finsterwald II, and Russell Edwin Finsterwald; his daughter, Jane Ellan Finsterwald; his grandchildren, Michael, Katy Ann, Tres Dow III, Russell, and James; and six great-grandchildren.
Â
In respect, and in lieu of flowers, contributions to the Dow and Linda Finsterwald Sports Management Scholarship can be made through Ohio University at give.ohio.edu/funds (search for: The Dow and Linda Finsterwald Sports Management Scholarship).
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