PGA Professionals Lewis and Ball in New Territory of Membership

PGA Professionals Joseph "Bud" Lewis of Wyncote, Pa., who celebrated his 101st birthday last August, and Errie Ball of Stuart, Fla., 98, the last surviving participant of the first Masters, each recently achieved another milestone in their respective golf careers.

The twosome surpassed legendary Gene Sarazen as the longest serving members of The PGA of America. Lewis has been a PGA member for 78 years and five months, while Ball has served 78 years, 3 months and 23 days.

Sarazen, who died in 1999 at age 97, had served 78 years, 1 month and 28 days up to his death.

Lewis, who served for 37 years at Manufacturers Golf and Country Club in Fort Washington, Pa., is a weekly bridge participant at his old club, where he also rests in a golf cart and gives tips to both friends and family members.

"The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to be the home of PGA Professional Bud Lewis. As we now know, Bud is the oldest living PGA member and the PGA member with the longest service record in the history of our Association," said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette. "Bud is the consummate professional and always quick to help anyone with their game. On behalf of the entire Philadelphia PGA Section, we congratulate Bud and his family on his lifetime of accomplishments and service in the game of golf."

Ball served and contributed to the game of golf for over 44 years as a head professional at Oak Park (Ill.) Country Club, Tucson (Ariz.) Country Club and John's Island near Vero Beach, Fla. He was the first director of golf at Butler National Golf Club when the club opened in 1972. In 1990, he began teaching regularly at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Fla., where he remains today.

"We are extremely proud to have Errie as a member of the Illinois PGA Section," said Illinois PGA Executive Director Michael Miller. "Errie is an iconic figure in the history of Illinois golf. To this day, decades after his active career as a PGA club professional concluded, the image and persona that Errie has displayed throughout his lifetime continues to stand as the benchmark for today's PGA Professional."

Ball also was the youngest competitor in British Open history, playing in the 1926 Open at Lytham and St. Annes at age 16. He played in the first Masters in 1934 and again in 1956.

He qualified for the U.S. Open 20 times, the PGA Championship 18 times and held PGA Section titles in the Southeast, Arizona, and Illinois.

A look at the members of the "senior class" of PGA of America Professionals and their years of service:

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