Ned Baber
About Ned Baber
Known as the “godfather of golf in Roanoke,” Ned Baber’s impact on the sport goes well beyond a decorated playing career that included a VSGA Amateur Championship victory. Baber’s philanthropic efforts took center stage later in life. He spent much of his time giving back to the game through the Roanoke Valley Hall of Fame, the Scott Robertson Memorial junior tournament, and The First Tee – Roanoke Valley.
Crowning Moment…
Defeated Danville’s Wright Garrett in 39 holes to win the 1960 VSGA Amateur Championship. It remains the longest final match in the championship’s more than 100-year history.
10
Wins in the club championship at Roanoke Country Club
40+
Years served as the executive director of the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame
1
Named VSGA Scholarship, given annually, starting in 2026: The Ned Baber Award
Achievements & Media
Special thanks to the USGA, PGA Tour, VSGA, MAPGA, WVGA and inductee family members for contributing photos and videos to this project.
Statistics
Date of birth: March 1, 1937
Date of death: April 24, 2024
Championships won
1960: VSGA Amateur
1968: VSGA Four-Ball
1969: VSGA Four-Ball
2007: VSGA Grand Masters
2010: VSGA Super Senior Amateur
2017: VSGA Super Senior Amateur
Accomplishments and Awards
Teamed with fellow Virginia Golf Hall of Famer Vinny Giles to win two VSGA Four-Ball Championships
Won the 1964 Valentine Invitational and the inaugural Fox Puss Invitational at Boonsboro Country Club
Inductee of the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame
Spent much of his later life giving back to the game, especially junior golf, through the First Tee – Roanoke Valley, and the Scott Robertson Memorial Tournament at Roanoke Country Club
