Monday, July 11, 2016

Southern Nevada superintendent Rohret to be enshrined in Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame

Induction ceremony to take place Oct. 28 at PGA TOUR’s Shriner’s Hospitals for Children Open

The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame recently announced that longtime Southern Nevada superintendent Bill Rohret, CGCS, will be inducted as part of the Hall’s 2016 class.

Rohret is one of four inductees who will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame at the Oct. 28 induction ceremony at TPC Summerlin in Summerlin, Nev., a date that coincides with the playing of the PGA TOUR’s Shriner’s Hospitals for Children Open. Other inductees include long drive pioneer Mike Dunaway (1955-2014), real estate developer and philanthropist Irwin Molasky and PGA TOUR player and former Las Vegas resident Dean Wilson.

The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame celebrates and brings awareness to players, administrators, benefactors, groups, instructors, teams, and other worthy golfers who have served the game of golf in Las Vegas in a positive and meaningful way, whether through performance on the course, volunteerism, financial support, promotion, or other dedicated service.

A 41-year lifetime member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Rohret has held superintendent positions in Southern Nevada at the former Desert Rose Golf Club, Stallion Mountain Country Club, Angel Park Golf Club and The Legacy Golf Club.

Now semi-retired, Rohret serves as a spray tech at Highland Falls Golf Club in Summerlin while mentoring and providing education and assistance to many superintendents around the Las Vegas Valley.

“This was totally unexpected,” said Rohret. “To be honored by your peers in the golf industry is always humbling and to go into the Hall of Fame with Dean, Irwin and the late Mike Dunaway is very special. They have all contributed so much to the local golf community.”

Bill Rohret, CGCS - 2016 Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Inductee

“What stands out about the induction of Bill in the 2016 class of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame is how active the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association was in the process,” said Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame President Brian Hurlburt. “They took the time to send letters and make sure he was nominated. Our committee looked at that and realized if his peers believe he should be inducted then he is extremely deserving. It is nice to have another superintendent become enshrined in the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame because the profession as a whole does so much for the sport.”

Bill got his first superintendent position in 1973 at Cedar Crest Country Club in Columbus Junction, Iowa, and moved to Las Vegas in the late 1980’s as golf course construction was taking off in the area.

He served as president of the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association (SNGCSA) from 1989-1990 and became a GCSAA certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) in 1990. He willingly volunteered his time throughout the years to assist the association in reaching its goals.

While Bill’s agronomic expertise and background speak for themselves, it’s been his willingness to help others that has stood out. “I’ve known Bill for over 13 years and he has assisted me on numerous occasions,” said Dale Hahn, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance at TPC Summerlin and current president of the SNGCSA. “Whether it's borrowing a piece of equipment or giving advice on turf problems, Bill is always there for his fellow superintendents.”

Bill’s off the course accomplishments are even more impressive. He and his wife Dian volunteer their time with Special Olympics Nevada coaching a number of sports including basketball, track and golf. In 2008, Bill was named Special Olympics Nevada Coach of the Year. Over the past decade, the Special Olympics golf program at Angel Park Golf Club has grown from eight athletes to over 40.

Bill and Dian were also awarded the 2013 Citizens of the Year Award by the Southern Nevada PGA Chapter. The award is annually given by the chapter to those individuals who provide exemplary efforts within their community.

Bill is the father of two grown children, James and Nicole and has been married to Dian for 37 years. “I have to thank my family for providing support over all these years,” said Rohret. “Being a superintendent is a time-consuming endeavor and being able to share this honor with them means everything.”

“I’ve been blessed to be part of the Las Vegas golf community for nearly 30 years and to be elected to the Hall of Fame is surreal,” said Rohret. “I’d like to thank the election committee and all of those in the industry that supported my inclusion into this special fraternity.”

For more information on the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame and the 2016 class of inductees, visit the website.