Robert Abbott
Bob Abbott could be called Peterborough’s most outstanding amateur golfer ever. He won the Peterborough Golf & Country Club championship an incredible 13 times and was runner up 9 times from 1920 to 1945 (his last title at age 59). He held the PG&CC course record of 30 strokes for 9 holes and 66 for 18 holes (1927). He also set the course record for the Cobourg GCC (1929).
Born in Plainfield, NJ in 1887, he attended Yale University. He was captain of the varsity golf team (1907) and was the United States Intercollegiate Golf Champion (1905). He was the Connecticut State Golf Champion in 1911. Bob won numerous club championships at his home course, Brooklawn Country Club, including 1916 with 14-year-old Gene Sarazen as his caddie. His hallmark was a long drive and a newspaper reported that he had “the longest drives off the tee in the whole US.” (1911)
Bob came to Peterborough to establish the Raybestos Company in 1920 and served as President until his death in 1960. Beyond Peterborough, he was on the Canadian Seniors Golf Team (1951), director of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (1952) and president of the Ontario Golf Association (1952). As a tribute to Abbott, an annual tournament for senior golfers was established at the PG&CC in 1961.
Truly one of Peterborough’s most outstanding athletes. He died in 1959.
Year Inducted:
2008
Status:
Deceased
Bob Abbott could be called Peterborough’s most outstanding amateur golfer ever. He won the Peterborough Golf & Country Club championship an incredible 13 times and was runner up 9 times from 1920 to 1945 (his last title at age 59). He held the PG&CC course record of 30 strokes for 9 holes and 66 for 18 holes (1927). He also set the course record for the Cobourg GCC (1929).
Born in Plainfield, NJ in 1887, he attended Yale University. He was captain of the varsity golf team (1907) and was the United States Intercollegiate Golf Champion (1905). He was the Connecticut State Golf Champion in 1911. Bob won numerous club championships at his home course, Brooklawn Country Club, including 1916 with 14-year-old Gene Sarazen as his caddie. His hallmark was a long drive and a newspaper reported that he had “the longest drives off the tee in the whole US.” (1911)
Bob came to Peterborough to establish the Raybestos Company in 1920 and served as President until his death in 1960. Beyond Peterborough, he was on the Canadian Seniors Golf Team (1951), director of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (1952) and president of the Ontario Golf Association (1952). As a tribute to Abbott, an annual tournament for senior golfers was established at the PG&CC in 1961.
Truly one of Peterborough’s most outstanding athletes. He died in 1959.