Career Highlights

• PGA Professional Since 1980: Built a distinguished career serving golfers, mentoring future generations and strengthening the golf community in Iowa.
• 30-Year Career at Hyperion Field Club: Hired as head golf professional in 1982 and served the club for three decades, including his final nine years as director of golf.
• Accomplished Player: Won the Iowa Junior Amateur in 1972, was named IGA Player of the Year in 1976 and earned four varsity letters at the University of Iowa (1973–77).
• Leadership in the Iowa PGA Section: Served on the Section’s board from 1995–2005 and as president in 2002–03.
• Numerous Professional Honors:
  -IGA Professional of the Year (1992)
  -PGA Golf Professional of the Year (1993)
  -PGA Merchandiser of the Year (2000)
  -PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award (2005)
• Herman Sani Tournament Leadership: Co-chaired the tournament with Hyperion member John Matovina from 1988–2012, helping raise funds for the IGA’s Sani Scholarship Fund.
• Pioneer in Junior Golf: Helped create a local Drive, Chip and Putt program that was eventually adopted nationally through the USGA, Masters Tournament and PGA of America.
• Commitment to Junior Golf Development: Dedicated countless hours to coaching and instructing young golfers, helping grow the game and inspire future generations.
• Exceptional Member Service: Recognized for his ability to serve more than 400 Hyperion member families with professionalism, humility and a commitment to providing an outstanding golf experience.
• Respected Character and Integrity: Praised by fellow professionals and colleagues for his humility, thoughtfulness, integrity, respect for others and ability to build lasting relationships through golf.

Ross deBuhr has touched many lives since he turned professional in 1980, ranging from the membership at Hyperion Field Club to future generations of golfers.

“One of the most commendable qualities of Ross is his personality and character, always thoughtful, exhibiting grace and humility, while treating all with respect,” said Larry Gladson, who had a distinguished career at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids and is a Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member. “His integrity is a cornerstone of Ross’s character and sets a powerful example for all who play golf or have a career in golf. He affirms that golf is not just about personal achievement but also about building relationships and fostering camaraderie amongst those who play the game.”

A fine player himself, deBuhr grew up in Ottumwa. He was the Iowa Junior Amateur champion in 1972 and the IGA Player of the Year 1976. He was a four-year letterman at the University of Iowa (1973-77). Hyperion hired Ross as head golf professional in 1982.

He served that club for the next 30 years, the last nine as the director of golf. He also filled numerous roles for the Iowa PGA Section, including stints as a board member (1995-2005) and president (2002-03). He was also the IGA Professional of the Year in 1992 and the PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1993. He was presented the PGA’s Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2005 and was the PGA Merchandiser of the Year award in 2000.

Ross also co-chaired the Herman Sani Tournament with Hyperion member John Matovina from 1988 to 2012. That tournament raises funds for the IGA’s Sani Scholarship Fund.

“Ross’s commitment to serving the Hyperion membership was exceptional,” Matovina added. “I always admired his ability to provide an enjoyable membership experience to each and every club member. Satisfying the diverse needs of 400-plus member families was a challenge that Ross met with humility and professionalism throughout his time at Hyperion. He had a passion for growing the game as demonstrated by the countless hours he spent coaching and instructing junior golfers.”

One of deBuhr’s most significant achievements was a local program he started with another Hyperion member. It was called Drive, Chip and Putt, and was modeled after a football competition called Punt, Pass and Kick years before.

Drive, Chip and Putt has since been adopted nationally, with the USGA, the Masters and the PGA of America serving as event sponsors. Eighty regional qualifiers – boys and girls – will gather at Augusta National Golf Club April 5 to determine the national winner in four age groups ranging from seven to 15 years old.

“Through these efforts, Ross has instilled a passion for the game in many aspiring golfers, fostering a sense of community and support that is essential for the sport’s future,.” Gladson added.

Another retired golf professional and Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member, Jeff Smith of Oskaloosa, has worked side-by-side with deBuhr on numerous occasions and also witnessed his commitment to the Sani Tournament as a player.

“Ross is a very humble person, so much so that many would not know how his leading by example has been a gift to so many who were touched by his presence,” Smith said.