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GOLF, Ill. – October 17, 2025 – The Illinois PGA hosted the 2025 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Ceremony on October 17, 2025. This year’s class included Dan Dinelli, Horace McDougal, David Ogrin, Joe Roseman, Steve Skinner, and Bob Zender.
“This 21st class of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame is especially distinguished and unique,” said Selection Committee Chair Tim Cronin. “We have a pair of fine Tour players in David Ogrin and Bob Zender, a renaissance man of the early 20th century in Joe Roseman, an extraordinary superintendent of the turf in Dan Dinelli, an executive who takes pains to give back to golf in Steve Skinner, and a pioneer in breaking golf's color barrier in Horace McDougal, whose story was lost in the dust of history for too long.”
The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:
Dan Dinelli – One of the nation's leading turfgrass experts, Dinelli has served as superintendent at North Shore Country Club for 36 years and is recognized nationally for his work in Phytobiome research, soil health, and sustainable agronomy. A third-generation superintendent, his career has been defined by innovation, stewardship, and leadership in golf course management.
Horace McDougal – A Chicago native and pioneer for racial integration in golf, McDougal became the first Black golfer at Northwestern University in 1923 and competed in the inaugural Negro National Open in 1926. A powerful advocate through his writing in the Chicago Defender, he co-founded the Windy City Golf Association and fought lifelong discrimination in the game he loved.
David Ogrin – A standout from Waukegan, Ogrin won both the Illinois Amateur and Illinois Open in 1980 before embarking on a long PGA Tour career that included 32 top-10 finishes and a victory at the 1996 Texas Open. He tied for 10th at the 1997 U.S. Open and remains one of the most successful Illinois-born Tour professionals. Ogrin was honored for his enduring competitive legacy and contributions to the game.
Joe Roseman – An inventive force in early American golf, Roseman’s contributions spanned design, course construction, and equipment. He developed the roller-drive mower, introduced modern fairway irrigation, designed numerous courses across the Chicago area, and built the first lighted par-3 course in the 1930s. His induction commemorates a career that shaped the foundation of golf course operations and innovation.
Steve Skinner – As CEO of KemperSports, Skinner has played a pivotal role in shaping modern facility management, overseeing a portfolio that includes Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, and Streamsong. A founder of The First Tee of Greater Chicago, his leadership has extended into philanthropy, youth development, and national event operations. Skinner was recognized for his impactful career both inside and beyond the industry.
Bob Zender – A three-time Illinois Amateur champion and Purdue All-American, Zender turned professional and quickly won the 1971 PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. He went on to a decade-long PGA Tour career and later captured three consecutive Illinois PGA Championships, tying him for the most in state history. His 62 at Ridgemoor Golf Club still stands alongside Ben Hogan’s as the course record. Zender was honored for his competitive excellence and lasting influence on Illinois golf.