Larry Sovik
Golf
Enshrined 1990
Larry Sovik, one of Syracuse’s golfing greats, had an illustrious career which began as a member of Syracuse University’s first golf team (1921-1925).
Sovik demonstrated great skill on the golf course, winning a number of prestigious titles. He captured six Syracuse District Amateur Championships including four in a row from 1929-1932. He also won an amazing 30 club championships at the Onondaga Golf and Country Club. In 1965, he received an award recognizing him as Syracuse’s Best Golfer.
Not only was Sovik a top golfer, he also gave back to his sport. He donated an exhibit antique golf clubs to Onondaga Country Club, Lakeshore Country Club, Bellevue Country Club, Cavalry Country Club and Burnet Park Club. The annual Sovik Cup, a local tournament between club pros and amateurs, is named after him. He died in 1998.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1925: Winner of Western New York Intercollegiate Championship
1927: Won the Central New York Long Driving Championship; also finished third in National Long Driving Championship
1929 -1944: Six-time Syracuse District Amateur champion
1933: Winner of Miller Cup Elmira Country Club
1940: Eastern Amateur Championship at Lakeshore Country Club
1946: Winner Yacht Club Member-Guest
1947-1961: Seven-time winner Onondaga Member-Guest
1961-1962: Member U.S.G.A. Senior International Gold Team
1965: Received award as Syracuse Best Golfer four decades
Other achievements:
Winner of the New York State Intercollegiate Championship three times; Founding member of the Society of 200 Senior Gentlemen Golfers; Founder of Society of Three Score +Ten; Senior Golfers Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of service by Presidents Johnson and Nixon; Member of National Presidents Club.