June 28, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Bill Toalson, who became the first golfer to earn a scholarship at the University of Kansas, has been elected to the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame. The Kansas Golf Foundation announced Thursday that Toalson and Tom Devlin will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame this fall.

Toalson, a native of Dodge City, Kan., enters the Hall of Fame in the category of Amateur Player. He won the two-man high school state championship in 1953, which helped him earn a scholarship to KU. He played three seasons with the Jayhawks, serving as the team captain in 1959.

His record of amateur championships includes: Kansas City Match Play (1969), Kansas Senior Amateur (1991, 1998, 2002), Kansas Senior Team (1997, 1998, 2004, 2005), Kansas Four-Ball (2002, 2003), Charlie Coe Invitational Senior Four-Ball (2001, 2003) and 11 club championships at Indian Hills Country Club over 33 years. He also qualified for the U.S. Senior Opens in 1989, 1993 and 1995 and has served on the USGA Mid-Amateur Committee.

Toalson’s grandson, Colin Toalson, will be a sophomore on the Kansas baseball team in 2012-13.

Toalson and Devlin will be elected to the Hall of Fame in the fall. Information about tickets to the induction ceremonies and banquets may be obtained from the Kansas Golf Foundation (785-842-4833, ext. 205) or (foundation@kansasgolf.org).