Robert R. “Bob” Panasik

Athlete, Professional Golfer.

Robert R. “Bob” Panasik is a professional golfer, born on October 20, 1941 in Windsor, Ontario. During his impressive career as a golfer, Panasik has won twelve provincial titles and has competed in more U.S. Opens than any other Canadian athlete. He is also a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. In 1970, he officially altered the spelling of his last name from Panasuik to Panasik.

Panasik attended Patterson Collegiate and Herman Collegiate in Windsor. Panasik, whose family has owned the Hydeaway Golf Course in Tecumseh, Ontario for forty years, began playing golf at a young age. On July 11, 1957, at the age of 15, Panasik attended the Canadian Open and shot 71 in the opening round-one of the achievements for which he is best known. Panasik won the Canadian and Ontario Junior Championships in 1958.

In 1971, Panasik won the Ontario PGA Championship, beating prominent Canadian golfer Moe Norman. In addition to his impressive wins in Canada, as well as his being named Golf Canada’s “Player of the Year” in 1974 and 1975, Panasik has represented Canada in golf tournaments in Australia, Spain, and Thailand.

More recently, Panasik has competed in Senior tours and, in 1997, 1998, and 2001, was the Canadian PGA Champion. He was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.

Sources:

Panasik saluted: Windsor golfer enters hall of fame Saturday (16 Sept. 2005).The Windsor Star, p. B1

Golf Canada. (n.d.). Bob Panasik

Golf Ontario. (2016). Robert R Panasik – Class of 2005

Bob Panasik’s history lesson for young, old: Played in 1957 Canadian open as a 15-year-old. (17 July 2001 National Post, p.B14.

Panasik closes in on senior victory (18 July 1997) Kingston Whig – Standard, p. 22.

Panasik gives up on U.S. open: Windsor senior pro misses last shot at qualifier. (8 June, 2004),The Windsor Star p. D1-2.

Panasik holes shot to skin competition: Windsor professional collects $4,900 (20 July 1989), The Windsor Star, p. B1.

Bob Panasik looking ahead after 26 years as pro golfer (28 July 1988), Toronto Star, p. G6.

Windsor/Essex County Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Bob Panasik

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Robert Panasik