SEATTLE – Seattle University Hall of Famer and founder of OB Sports Golf Management, Orrin Vincent, '67, passed away at his home in La Quinta, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 25 at the age of 76.
The No. 1 player at Seattle U during his collegiate golf career from 1963-67, Vincent earned team MVP honors in three straight seasons. He had a stroke average of 71.9, was a medalist in more than 25 events, and won the Banana Belt Intercollegiate Tournament.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vincent family," said Director of Athletics Shaney Fink. "Orrin was a wonderful man whose impact on Seattle University and the entire golf community will be everlasting. He will be greatly missed."
Vincent played professionally for several years, winning the Sierra Nevada PGA Championship six times and the Ponce de Leon Open in 1971.
A visionary in the golf industry, he went on to build OB Sports into one of the most highly respected and innovative management firms. Vincent impacted all areas of the industry including playing the PGA Tour, managing clubs, and designing, constructing and operating new courses.
He was twice named the PGA Professional of the Year, seven-time PGA Merchandiser of the Year, "Bill Strausbaugh Award" winner and the prestigious "Presidents Plaque." He was a seven-time SNPGA Player of the Year.
"As his roommate, teammate and friend, I know that Orrin's vision was learned early on in golf when we were taught to 'always leave the golf course better than you found it,'" said Terry Thomas, '67. "He followed that same mantra in leaving a legacy in all aspects of his life. All of us that met him are blessed to have known him."
Vincent served as a U.S. Junior World Cup Team Captain and was a founding board member for the American Junior Golf Association. He was awarded the AJGA's "Digger Smith Award" for his lifetime achievements and support of junior golf. In the summer of 2021, he co-founded Coachella Youth Golf and was focused on promoting the game in the Coachella Valley and the Pacific Northwest.
"Of all the blessings I've been given in my life knowing Orrin Vincent was certainly one of the greatest," said men's and women's golf Head Coach Marc Chandonnet. "His unconditional love for Seattle U golf is something I was extremely appreciative of. He always made time for me, always knew what to say and he gave back to the game in ways we should all strive for."
Vincent remained an active supporter of Seattle U over the years, contributing to the men's and women's golf programs, as well as men's basketball. In 2017, he and his wife Barbara established the Orrin and Barbara Vincent Endowed Golf Scholarship. Vincent was inducted into the Seattle U Athletics Hall of Fame and was also among a distinguished group of individuals to be named a Red Tie Celebration honoree.
Vincent is survived by his wife Barbara, three children O.D., Sheridan and Jenifer, and six grandchildren. Memorial service arrangements will be shared by the family at a later date.
The No. 1 player at Seattle U during his collegiate golf career from 1963-67, Vincent earned team MVP honors in three straight seasons. He had a stroke average of 71.9, was a medalist in more than 25 events, and won the Banana Belt Intercollegiate Tournament.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vincent family," said Director of Athletics Shaney Fink. "Orrin was a wonderful man whose impact on Seattle University and the entire golf community will be everlasting. He will be greatly missed."
Vincent played professionally for several years, winning the Sierra Nevada PGA Championship six times and the Ponce de Leon Open in 1971.
A visionary in the golf industry, he went on to build OB Sports into one of the most highly respected and innovative management firms. Vincent impacted all areas of the industry including playing the PGA Tour, managing clubs, and designing, constructing and operating new courses.
He was twice named the PGA Professional of the Year, seven-time PGA Merchandiser of the Year, "Bill Strausbaugh Award" winner and the prestigious "Presidents Plaque." He was a seven-time SNPGA Player of the Year.
"As his roommate, teammate and friend, I know that Orrin's vision was learned early on in golf when we were taught to 'always leave the golf course better than you found it,'" said Terry Thomas, '67. "He followed that same mantra in leaving a legacy in all aspects of his life. All of us that met him are blessed to have known him."
Vincent served as a U.S. Junior World Cup Team Captain and was a founding board member for the American Junior Golf Association. He was awarded the AJGA's "Digger Smith Award" for his lifetime achievements and support of junior golf. In the summer of 2021, he co-founded Coachella Youth Golf and was focused on promoting the game in the Coachella Valley and the Pacific Northwest.
"Of all the blessings I've been given in my life knowing Orrin Vincent was certainly one of the greatest," said men's and women's golf Head Coach Marc Chandonnet. "His unconditional love for Seattle U golf is something I was extremely appreciative of. He always made time for me, always knew what to say and he gave back to the game in ways we should all strive for."
Vincent remained an active supporter of Seattle U over the years, contributing to the men's and women's golf programs, as well as men's basketball. In 2017, he and his wife Barbara established the Orrin and Barbara Vincent Endowed Golf Scholarship. Vincent was inducted into the Seattle U Athletics Hall of Fame and was also among a distinguished group of individuals to be named a Red Tie Celebration honoree.
Vincent is survived by his wife Barbara, three children O.D., Sheridan and Jenifer, and six grandchildren. Memorial service arrangements will be shared by the family at a later date.