Remembering Leo Zampedro

Leo Zampedro with Bob Hope in 1981.

In 1969 Leo Zampedro became the head golf pro at Ridgewood Golf Course. A position he held for 8 years before moving on to Hawthorne Valley Country Club in Solon, and eventually opening his dream facility, Troy Hill Golf Center in Burton, where his motto was “We Reach the Pros”. During his life he accomplished a great deal. He was runner-up in the U.S. Amateur Piblic Links Tournament in 1965. Won the Ohio Public Links Championship in 1967. He also built a strong teaching reputation. Named NOPGA Teacher of the year in 1992, 1995, and 2005. He was recognized annually from 1999 through 2007 by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best instructors in Ohio and the U.S. He was inducted into the Parma Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, NOPGA Hall of Fame in 1999, and Warren Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. His students were sports stars like Buddy Bell, Bill Cowher, Austin Carr, Bob Lewis and Barb Mucha. In 1981 he played a round of golf with Bob Hope. 

Leo Zampedro grew up in Warren, Ohio. He and his wife Jane raised their three children here in Parma. Jane is an accomplished artist, life-time member of Parma Area Fine Arts Council and currently serving as Vice-President. She is also involved with The Great Lakes Wood Carvers and High On Dolls. Their three adult children also have ties to Parma. 

Sadly, Leo passed away in 2007, but his legacy lives on. The eldest son, Tony, coaches golf to the Lake Erie Catholic High School Girls Golf Team. His two daughters, Leo’s granddaughters, are involved with golf. One a senior playing golf and captain of the team at her university. 

To honor Leo, son Tony Zampedro has organized a fundraiser to create a golf instruction studio at Lake Catholic for the youth teams. An important component is a SkyTrack Simulator which would allow players to practice off season. It's a great tribute to Leo. If you are interested in donating, or need additional information on the Leo Zampedro Golf Studio please contact ajzampedro@gmail.com.

Kathryn Mabin

Board Secretary of Parma Area Fine Arts Council, Inc, or PAFAC, and Artist/Jewlery Designer, Owner Aire of Oppulence.

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Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 7:59 AM, 02.01.2022