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NWO Golf Links
Perhaps one of the most enduring aspects
of the Toledo Country Club is its long
relationship with Head Professional, Don
Kotnik.
Kotnik grew up in Barbarton, Ohio and
attended the University of Toledo on a sports
scholarship because it was the only college
that would allow him to be a member of both
the football and golf teams. After graduation
in 1967, he spent a year in Hawaii teaching
elementary school in the mornings and
practicing golf in the afternoons.
He first found golf at the age of 14, while
riding his bike home after a baseball game.
He noticed a gentleman hitting shags in a
park and stopped to watch. The man let him
hit a few 7-irons and sure enough, he hit
a shot that made him fall in love with the
game.
Kotnik came to Toledo Country Club in 1970
and retired in 2014 after 44 years at the club.
He has always been one of the top golf
instructors in the country and was named
PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1993.
Some notable area golfers that worked as
assistant’s for Kotnik over the years include
Perrysburg native and PGA Tour winner, Pat
Lindsey, along with, Rick Smith and Greg
Fish.
Even though he is officially retired, Kotnik is
the Professional Emeritus of Toledo Country
Club and still remains active today.
Toledo Country Club and Don Kotnik are
examples of the deep roots golf has in this
area.