The U.S. Senior Open Championship Committee, from left: (front row) Bob Becker, Walt Dennis, Bill Stinse and Greg Wolf; (back row) Kip Ericksen, Bill Sullivan, Phil Glandon, John Landolfi and Greg Overymyer; (not pictured) Dan Sullivan and Kip McBride.
In 1956, when Walt Dennis was just 5 years old, his father, Dick, joined Scioto Country Club in Upper Arlington. The young Dennis would follow him around the course as his father competed in the Men’s Club Championships.
This August, 60 years later, Dennis will make his way around the same storied course as the general chairman of the 2016 U.S. Senior Open Championship.
Dennis – the president and CEO of Canal Winchester-based HFI, a leading supplier of interior automotive products – has always loved a challenge. He remembers when he was finally old enough to enter the men’s locker room area at the country club, seeing “The Wall of Champions” that displayed every club champion and runner-up since 1916, including his father’s name thrice as a runner-up.
“I always remember thinking how cool it would be to get my name on that wall,” says Dennis.
He achieved that and then some as a seven-time champion and five-time runner-up.
It’s that same spirit and determination, coupled with his affable nature, that make him a fitting ambassador for Scioto and this year’s U.S. Senior Open.
Walt Dennis
“Treat everyone as you would wish to be treated. That is my nature,” says Dennis. “I abide by an old saying shared with me years ago: ‘We will treat our guests so many ways, they will be sure to like one of them.’ … I have always been supportive of anything that enhances the reputation of Scioto Country Club, both locally and, of course, across the United States and around the world.”
Chairing a national golf championship isn’t easy work, but Dennis’ pride in the club drives him.
“The golf course, the facilities and, most importantly, the people, both members and staff,” are what make it so special to him, he says.
Bringing the championship back for a second time – Scioto also hosted the 1986 U.S. Senior Open Championship – was important to Dennis, the club’s board, its president and head golf professional, and the members supported the idea from the start. That its return coincides with the club’s 100th anniversary makes it even more meaningful.
“It has been a labor of love, and it will be very gratifying to see the final product presented to the world,” Dennis says.
Dennis hopes spectators at the championship experience the same warmth and affection he feels for Scioto.
“Even if you’re not a sports fan, you can still come and enjoy good company with friends and family while taking in the beauty of Scioto Country Club,” Dennis says. “I cannot think of a nicer way to spend a beautiful August day in Columbus, Ohio.”
Bob Valasek is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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