I became the head coach of the Hudson Girls Golf team in the spring of 2019. When taking over a program with such tradition, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the questions you have and by all the questions you receive. I don’t really remember most of the questions that came in that whirlwind. But one does stand out. The first time I met with our parent representative, she asked, “Do you know Doug Snelling?” I did not know Doug but was curious as to why it was so important that I meet him immediately. She gave me his phone number and I gave him a call the next day. That phone call made everything very apparent. Doug knew golf. He knew how to coach, he knew how to instruct, he knew how to organize, and most importantly, he wanted to share his knowledge with whoever would listen.
Doug had the faintest hint of a Scottish accent when he spoke. He wasn’t from Scotland and I’m not sure if he even has any trace of Scottish ancestry at all. But I always told myself that he subtly picked it up because of his love for the Scottish game that was so dear to him. He had a passion for the game of golf and a desire to teach the sport whenever he could. He started as the JV girls coach at Hudson in 2007 and took over the program in 2010. In his first year, he took the Explorers to the State Tournament, where they finished 9th in the state. He continued to coach at Hudson until he retired after the 2015 season. He saw a ton of success over that time, including three undefeated seasons, five district appearances, and two league championships. More importantly, he had an impact on every player he coached. His players spoke highly of his knowledge and ability, but even more of his integrity and character.
Not long after I took over at Hudson, Doug became an assistant coach at Highland High School, where his experience and ability helped them to an unprecedented run of success. Even while he was coaching at a rival school, Doug would still take time to help me and my players. He excelled at giving short game lessons, emphasizing topics like chipping styles and learning the fall line on putts. He also shared with me his scoring spreadsheet, something I still am figuring out. As coaches, we ironically spent countless hours trying to become more efficient. I cannot tell you how long and how much dedication it took for Doug to perfect that spreadsheet, but I know it did not happen overnight. He was so proud to share it with me and explain how it worked.
Getting to know Doug Snelling made me a better coach and a better person. His legacy will live on in the Hudson Girls Golf program and the Highland Girls Golf program for decades to come. It was truly a pleasure to be able to work with him, learn from him, and enjoy his friendship for many years. Doug’s contribution to the game of golf is unmistakable and he will be missed by the entire golf community.
-Bobby Bolin
Ohio High School Golf 