Gutshall Honored with GAP Distinguished Achievement Award

Posted: 10/25/2012 | Last updated: October 25, 2012 at 11:27 AM
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Former Lehigh men’s and women’s golf coach Kelly Gutshall ’50 has been honored with the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) Distinguished Service Award. The award highlights individuals who have made a significant contribution to the game at the Philadelphia, national or international level.


Gutshall coached the men’s golf team from 1988-2005 and the women’s team from its inception in 2001-2005. In 2004, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame. After his coaching career, he accepted a position as the manager of the Lehigh Golf Practice Complex and helped Lehigh build the school’s practice facility on the Goodman Campus.
The longtime coach won back-to-back Patriot League titles in 1996 and 1997 and also won two league coach of the year awards (1994 and 1996). He boasts an extensive resume as a player that is highlighted by his 12 club titles at Indian Valley Country Club and he has played more than 500 courses in 13 different countries. Gutshall also shot his age numerous times later in his playing career. Gutshall is a 53-year member of Indian Valley Country Club and has also won eight senior crowns, plus two additional titles won on the 18th home of Mason-Dixon Matches. He has carded 13 hole-in-ones at Indian Valley and has eagled every hole on the course except for No. 2.
The selection process is undertaken by GAP each year, but the Selection Committee is not obligated to select a nominee yearly. Only six nominees have been chosen over the past six years.
Gutshall received his award on Wednesday, October 24 at the 116th annual meeting of the Golf Association of Philadelphia at Commonwealth National Golf Club in Horsham, Pa.
Story written by Cam Omsberg ‘13