Robbie Webb, affectionately known as the “Godfather of Mississippi Golf,” left an indelible mark on the game through decades of teaching, mentorship, and service. Born in Gulfport in 1939, Webb's passion for golf began at age 11 and blossomed into a remarkable career that spanned over 45 years as a PGA professional and coach.

A standout amateur and collegiate player, Webb was a four-year letterman at Southern Miss (1958–1961), where he once shot a 65—then tied for the third-lowest round in school history. He later served as assistant coach at USM before becoming the longtime head golf pro at Canton Country Club and Deerfield Golf Club. He mentored more than 1,000 golfers, including Mississippi Sports Hall of Famers Ken Lindsey, James Ray Carpenter, and Joe Iupe. His protégés—known as “Robbie’s Boys”—won 10 Mississippi State Open titles, three State Amateur crowns, and earned 26 college scholarships.

Webb's contributions extended beyond individual instruction. As golf coach for Canton Academy, he led the Panthers to five straight state titles from 1990 to 1994, and he also coached teams at Madison-Ridgeland Academy and Canton High School. Known for his calm demeanor, Webb replaced criticism with a knowing “stare” or smile, earning the respect and affection of players across generations.

Honored with the Gulf States PGA Professional of the Year Award twice and the Junior Golf Leader Award three times, Webb was inducted into the Gulf States PGA Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Southern Miss Sports Hall of Fame. In 2000, the Mississippi Golf Association established the “Robbie Webb Award” to recognize outstanding contributors to junior golf.

Webb’s legacy lives on in the countless players he inspired and the game he elevated across Mississippi

*Photo courtesy of the Miami Dolphins*