The Hole in One Gang

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

They’re not a gang of outlaws, but they will definitely rob you on the “back nine.” The Godwin Gang are a family of professional golfers that have dominated the sport in Missouri for decades. Luther “Buddy” Godwin had won over 100 amateur golf tournaments. we was the eight-time winner of the Ozark Open. Starting in 1965, he was a qualifier for the United States Amateur Team for four years. Buddy won the Missouri Amateur Golf Championship in 1973. He eventually turned pro and competed in PGA senior tours.

Buddy’s older son, Robert “Bobby” Godwin was a “chip off the old block.” He was a three-year letterman in golf at Poplar Bluff High School. Bobby competed on the Mules 1980 and 1981 State Championship Golf Team. He continued the team sport at Three Rivers Community College and Arkansas State University. Beginning in 1989, Bobby won numerous local, state and national amateur tournaments. In 1999 he was named the Missouri Golf Association Player of the Year.

Ben Godwin, Buddy’s youngest son, also lettered in golf for four years at Poplar Bluff High School. He competed on the Mules 1988 State Championship Golf Team. Ben earned four varsity letters playing golf for the University of Missouri. He began winning local and state amateur golf tournaments in 1990. In 2003 Ben won the Missouri State Amateur Golf Championship, and again in 2006.

All three Godwins were inducted in the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame — Buddy in 1982, Bobby in 2000 and Ben in 2006. Their plaques are on display at the Poplar Bluff Museum. Buddy Godwin is further recognized in a special exhibit of the Sports Hall of Fame. Many of his mementos are on display. Bobby and Ben are recognized in the Golf Museum upstairs. Their many awards and trophies can be viewed there.

Along with the Godwins, the Poplar Bluff High School 1980 and 1981 Championship Golf Teams were also inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. They are recognized there and in the Golf Museum.

The museum is open free of charge from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.