The world of golf has lost an industry icon, as Orrin Vincent, founding AJGA Board Member and Digger Smith Award recipient, passed away October 25, 2021 at his home in La Quinta, Calif. Since 1972, he had been involved in the management and development of some of the nation’s finest facilities, founding OB Sports and building it into one of the industry’s most highly respected and innovative management firms.
“On behalf of the AJGA I want to express our gratitude for everything that Orrin did for us and junior golf," said AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. "He was an incredible visionary. Wherever he built or managed a new golf course, I knew he would be calling to host an AJGA event. The access Orrin gave us to great golf courses provided countless junior golfers with opportunities for college golf scholarships."
Vincent was instrumental in countless golf projects, with some of his most notable being at Edgewood Tahoe, Angel Park, Langdon Farms, Washington National, Gamble Sands and the recently opened Dumbarnie Links in Scotland.
Vincent's son O.D. played junior golf with the AJGA which spurred his interest in golf's next generation. He served as a founding board member for the AJGA and was awarded the AJGA's "Digger Smith Award" in 2004 for his lifetime achievements and support of junior golf. Vincent managed properties all over the country and was known to always give an open door to AJGA events. He also served as a U.S. Junior World Cup Team Captain and in the summer of 2021, he co-founded Coachella Youth Golf and was focused on promoting the game in the Coachella Valley and his beloved Pacific Northwest.
In addition to his accomplishments with OB Sports and junior golf, Vincent’s impressive background and specialties included playing on the PGA TOUR; coaching and mentoring numerous aspiring junior, collegiate, and professional golfers; golf course design; golf course construction; premium facility maintenance; innovative marketing and brand development; retail sales; and growing every component of the great game and business he loved.
Vincent has received numerous personal awards for his expertise in golf. He was twice named the PGA Professional of the Year, seven-time PGA Merchandiser of the Year, “Bill Strausbaugh Award” winner and the prestigious “Presidents Plaque.” He was a seven-time SNPGA Player of the Year and was also inducted in the Seattle University Hall of Fame.
Orrin Vincent leaves behind his amazing wife Barbara, his three children O.D., Sheridan and Jenifer, and six beautiful grandchildren.