Hall of Fame
Robert was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. where his father introduced him to the game of golf at the age of ten. From then on, most of his summers were spent on the course and playing various local tournaments. Robert played four year of varsity golf at Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County. By the age of 18, the summer before coming to Oglethorpe, he won his first of three men’s club championships and was named Atlanta Junior player of the year. Coach Jim Owen recruited Robert that summer and in August he enrolled at Oglethorpe.
Robert was a four-year starter on the Petrel’s golf team and was a fixture as the number one player during that time. His freshman year was highlighted by a second place finish at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (“SCAC”) championship. Sophomore season, Robert won the conference championship and was selected as the SCAC Men’s Golfer of the Year. Also in that year Robert was selected as one of five individuals to play for the NCAA Championship. After graduating Robert stayed on and was the assistant coach for two years. During his player and coaching career he was a part of four SCAC conference champion teams, four teams that participated in the NCAA championships and was honored as a two time NCAA Academic-All American.
Robert obtained his CPA license in 2003 and works as a manager at CohnReznick in their renewable energy consulting practice. After his father’s passing in 2009, Robert became active in the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition and currently sits on the board of directors. In 2006, Robert married fellow Stormy Petrel volleyball player Rhiannon Lyles ’02. They currently live in Lawrenceville and attend Gwinnett Church. Rhiannon has recently transitioned from mortgage sales and is now raising their two young boys, Noble and William.
Robert’s time at Oglethorpe provided him great memories on and off the course. He was blessed to be surrounded by great teammates, coaches and friends. Robert would like to thank his mother Beth, sister Krista and his aunts, uncle and grandparents who traveled and supported him all over the country at tournaments throughout his time at Oglethorpe. He also thanks his coaches Jim Owen, Mike Deckert and Tolliver Williams for their guidance, trust and patience as they helped shape his golf game. Robert is especially grateful to his father Bob whose love and support shaped every area of his life and gave him a great love of the game.
