Don Ryder

About Don Ryder

Forever an ambassador of golf at The Omni Homestead Resort and for all of Bath County, Ryder went from doorman at the resort as a kid to the resort’s head golf professional, retiring in 2015 after a remarkable 40-year career. Ryder was longtime friends with inaugural Virginia Golf Hall of Fame member Sam Snead, and six generations of Ryder’s family worked at the resort.

A member of the inaugural selection committee for the Hall of Fame, Ryder’s inclusion in this class brings his journey in golf full circle. The Homestead has long been one of Virginia’s treasured golf venues, and Ryder’s contributions at the resort were a big reason why both the VSGA and USGA flocked to Hot Springs to host high-level competitions.

Crowning Moment…

Retired in July 2015, capping an incredible 40-year career at The Omni Homestead Resort, one that began at the Homestead Garage in Hot Springs and ended with him as the resort’s director of golf.

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Generations of the Ryder family that have worked at The Homestead

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USGA championships hosted during Ryder’s tenure as director of golf – the U.S. Amateur, U.S. Mid-Amateur, U.S. Senior Amateur, and U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur

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VSGA Amateurs held at The Homestead during Ryder’s tenure

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VSGA Women’s Amateurs held at The Homestead during Ryder’s tenure

Achievements & Media

Special thanks to the USGA, PGA Tour, VSGA, MAPGA, WVGA and inductee family members for contributing photos and videos to this project.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Statistics
Date of birth: July 29, 1947

Accomplishments and Awards

  • Won Middle Atlantic PGA Senior Championship
  • Won MAPGA Southern Chapter Senior Championship
  • Won MAPGA Senior-Junior Championship
  • Recipient of VSGA President’s Award in 2016
  • Member of Virginia Golf Hall of Fame inaugural selection committee (2016-18)

PHOTOS