Bob Toski

Who is Bob Toski?

Robert John Toski, born Algustoski, is an American golfer and teacher.

He was born in Haydenville, Massachusetts of Polish descent. He learned to play at Northampton Country Club, where he caddied and two of his elder brothers were assistant professionals. He joined the PGA Tour in 1949 and was the leading money winner in 1954, winning four times including $50,000 at World Championship of Golf. He left the tour aged 30 so he could spend more time with his young family, and took a series of jobs as a club professional.

Later he found renewed fame as a leading golf coach, helping pros such as Tom Kite, Bruce Crampton and Judy Rankin. He also wrote several books and made some of the earliest golf instruction videos. In the early 1980s he was a regular on NBC Sports golf telecasts.

Toski began playing on the Senior PGA Tour upon its formation in 1980. He left the Tour in January 1986 after he became involved in a controversy over how he marked his ball in a tournament in Japan. He returned in April 1986 and played several more years on the Tour.

He was the first living instructor inducted into the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame and he is also a member of the National Polish-American Hall of Fame.