OMAHA — At 103 years old, Bob Walls still arrives at Steve Hogan Golf Course in North Omaha not only to play but to help maintain the public facility for the neighborhood, and this week he received an unexpected acknowledgment from professional golf circles.
Local volunteer’s dedication draws national attention
Mutual of Omaha used a previously aired local story about Walls to reach out to its golf ambassador, Padraig Harrington, a veteran of the PGA and Champions tours. Harrington responded with a short personal video for Walls that included encouragement and a simple technical tip for his swing.
In the message Harrington offered what he called his top tip: to hold the finish after every shot. The instruction was framed as both a playing and presentation cue — a way to look and feel like a player regardless of age.
"The number one thing is to pose, even at 103 years of age, if you can hold that finish after every shot, you're going to look like a player and you'"
Walls, who volunteers regularly at the municipal course, told reporters he takes pride in doing the job well and in caring for community space. He traced his work ethic back to lessons from his father: do the best you can, and if someone else can do the task better and you are doing it, then you are not doing it well enough.
What it means for Steve Hogan and North Omaha
City-run courses like Steve Hogan depend on volunteers for routine upkeep and neighborhood connection. Volunteers who take on tasks beyond playing — picking up debris, tending bunkers, assisting with small repairs — help stretch municipal resources and make the course more welcoming.
- Volunteer role: Daily maintenance and community support at Steve Hogan Golf Course.
- Recognition: Personal video and coaching tip from Padraig Harrington via Mutual of Omaha.
- Community impact: Demonstrates civic commitment and highlights accessibility of the sport to all ages.
Keith Clark, chief marketing officer at Mutual of Omaha, said the company views Harrington as someone who supports golf for people across generations — introducing young players to the game while advising older amateurs on adjustments that allow them to keep playing longer.
For Walls, Harrington’s message carried meaningful validation. He told reporters he appreciates that people noticed his efforts and that he loves the city and the park, adding that he tries to take care of the course as well as he can.
Small moments, broader resonance
While the exchange is brief, it underlines several local themes: the importance of volunteers to municipal amenities, the role of community figures in preserving neighborhood resources, and the value of intergenerational attention to parks and recreation. Walls’ daily presence at Steve Hogan is a reminder that municipal facilities can be sustained through civic stewardship as much as municipal budgets.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Volunteer | Bob Walls |
| Age | 103 |
| Location | Steve Hogan Golf Course, North Omaha |
| Recognition | Video message and tips from Padraig Harrington, shared by Mutual of Omaha |
Neighbors and regulars at Steve Hogan said Walls’ work sets an example for stewardship in their community. City Parks Division officials have previously credited volunteers with helping maintain the course’s usability for local players. The Harrington message adds unexpected national attention to an everyday act of service in Omaha.
As the story circulates, it may encourage other residents to support public recreation spaces — either by volunteering time or by advocating for continued municipal funding for parks and courses that serve neighborhoods across the city.
